Frank Thomas Baiocchi

Frank Thomas Baiocchi was born on May 20, 1939, in Vasto, Italy, to Dominico Baiocchi and Spina Pertroro. His childhood unfolded during World War II. His mother taught him to make lye soap, which was used by British soldiers during the war.

In 1947, at the age of eight, Frank immigrated to the United States and settled in Washington, D.C. He attended St. John’s, where he participated in the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC), and proudly became an American citizen on June 11, 1965.

A master marble and stone mason of unusual physical strength and exceptional skill, Frank completed the marble work at Washington National Cathedral. He was honored by the Smithsonian Folklife Festival for his craftsmanship. He also built two family homes and a lake house for his family, creating places where generations could gather and make memories.

Frank was a committed supporter of organized labor. He served as secretary-treasurer of his union and helped implement a pension plan for workers, extending his concern for the people of his trade beyond the worksite.

On May 27, 1960, Frank married Phyllis Reilly. He loved Phyllis deeply, and their marriage was central to the family they built together. They raised four daughters, and Frank made sure they knew the country where his own story began, taking the family to Italy during the summers.

Frank loved music, history, and a good story. He seemed to know a little something about everything and delighted in sharing what he knew. He loved reading and, after losing his vision in 2020, continued listening to audiobooks. He took a particular interest in his grandchildren’s schooling, their plans, and what they hoped to accomplish in life. A devoted Washington Redskins fan, he remained loyal to his team.

A man of faith, Frank taught the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) at St. Michael’s Church. He believed in doing things right the first time, expecting adversity, planning for change, and never stopping learning. These were lessons he taught his children by both word and example.

Frank is survived by his beloved wife, Phyllis Reilly Baiocchi; his daughters, Laura Scurry, Lisa Halpin (Arn), Lynne Baiocchi Martin (Michael), and Andrea Baiocchi Walker (Chris); his twelve grandchildren, Anthony Baiocchi (Amanda), Thomas Maydag (Tiffany), Justin Halpin, Carly Robles, Christina Halpin, Marisa Scurry, Blake Halpin (Ann), Lindsey Horton (Devan), Eric Maydag, Natalie Halpin, Jack Walker, and Lukas Walker; and two great-grandchildren, Zachary Baiocchi and Grace Robles.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dominico Baiocchi and Spina Pertroro.

Frank’s legacy can be found in the stonework he left behind, the homes he built, the security he helped create for fellow workers, and the stories, values, and love he shared with his family.

The family will receive friends for 5-7 PM on Wednesday, October 28, at Stauffer Funeral Home, 8 E. Ridgeville Blvd., Mt Airy, MD 21771. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Offered at 11:00 AM on Thursday, October 29, at St. Michael's Catholic Church at Poplar Springs, 1125 St. Michael's Rd. Mt. Airy, MD 21771. Interment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Silver Spring.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to National Glaucoma Research, a program of the BrightFocus Foundation, to support glaucoma research: https://donate.brightfocus.org/ngr/donate.

Expression of sympathy may be shared at staufferfuneralhome.com