Frank Cricchio

World renowned photographer Frank Edward Cricchio died Thursday, December 23, 2021. At 88 years old, he passed peacefully surrounded by family. Frank was born October 18,1933 in Port Arthur, TX. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in Port Arthur, TX and Lamar University in Beaumont, TX. Frank found his passion for photography when he was only eleven and opened his first studio in 1958. At Cricchio Studio in1964, Frank hired a college student, Wayne Rogers. Together they produced the first color photograph ever published in the Port Arthur News. In 1965, Bart Bragg joined the team until he took over the studio in 2002. In 1995, Gayletta of Gayletta's Photography was mentored by Frank, creating another successful professional photographer. Frank taught thousands of students through the Professional Photographers of America education system. He also founded the highly successful Texas School of Professional Photography. His accolades, too many to list individually, include being honored by the United Nations in 2004 and the PPA Lifetime achievement award in 2008. In 2021, Frank received the American Society of Photographers International award in a special presentation while he was in hospice care.
Frank was known for his bright smile, his extraordinary intelligence, and his generous contributions of his talent to teach others. He changed an entire industry through his gracious sharing of his knowledge in photography.
Frank was a member of the Port Arthur Rotary Club having served as the president in the early 70's, and had perfect attendance for over 50 years.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Annette Cricchio of Port Arthur, TX, a son-in-law William Stone Sr and a grandson William Stone Jr of Cobbtown, GA., and a son-in-law James Burks of Beaumont, TX. He is survived by his five children, Tina Burks of League City, TX, Frankie Stone of Cobbtown, GA, Mark Cricchio and his wife Darla of Bridge City, TX, Jonila Trahan and her husband Kevin of Nederland, TX, and Rochelle Emamifar and her husband Amir of Smyrna, GA. He has eleven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
The family would like to thank all of the medical personnel who cared for Frank over the last few months at Oak Grove Nursing Home in Groves, TX and Harbor Hospice House in Beaumont, TX.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, January 4, 2022 at Melancon’s Funeral Home in Nederland, TX. Friends and family will begin gathering at 1pm, with the service to begin at 3 pm.
The family requests, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be gifted to the new scholarship honoring Frank Cricchio, at the Texas School of Professional Photography.
https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=YT4LH7CHEHLPC Or donations to the Museum of the Gulf Coast in Port Arthur, TX.