NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. - Iona College mourns the loss of Frank R. Fazio '65, Ph.D., a long-time professor of biology, who served as a coach, moderator, mentor and friend to Iona's athletic department and its student-athletes for five decades. He was 75 years old.
 
"Doc Fazio was a great friend to Iona College athletics and will be missed dearly," said Director of Athletics Matthew Glovaski. "For those of us who have been involved in the golf program, Doc was a trusted advisor to the coaching staff and student-athletes alike. We are forever grateful for his dedication, passion and support of Iona College Athletics."
 
"Doc cared deeply for our program and was always there for support. His contributions to our program have been truly impactful," Glovaski added. "Our deepest condolences go out to his friends, family and all who knew him."
 
"Doc Fazio was a great mentor and friend ever since I took over the golf program here at Iona," added Sean Burke, Iona's current head golf coach. "It was a privilege to know and to learn from Doc. He ushered in a new era of Iona golf and laid the groundwork for all the success the program has enjoyed in the years during and since his tenure. The Iona golf program will miss Doc Fazio immensely, but his memory will be with us forever."
 
After earning a bachelor's degree from Iona College in 1965, Fazio earned a master's degree and a Ph.D. in environmental biology from Fordham, culminating in 1969. He began his tenure in Iona's biology department in 1968, and taught courses in general biology and microbiology. Fazio served as chair of biology three times during his career for a total of 22 years. In April 2018, Fazio was honored for 50 years of service to Iona College at the Br. Arthur Loftus Dinner. The "Facere et Docere" medal he earned represents the Congregation of Christian Brothers' motto "To do and to teach."
 
Fazio was inducted into the Iona College Goal Club Hall of Fame in June 2004 and received the department's Donald E. Walsh Award in 2018 for his loyal support and service to Iona Athletics. From 1988-1996, he served as head coach of the golf program. During his tenure, he instituted a total overhaul of the program. Prior to 1988, the Gaels played local matches and were near the bottom of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference standings. Under Fazio's guidance, the program entered a new era. Through extensive recruiting, fundraising and dedication, the team became one of the top teams in the Northeast. Iona embarked on a national schedule, featuring prestigious invitationals throughout the country, and its golfers began winning tournaments. The highlight of Fazio's tenure was in 1994, when his golfers captured their first-ever MAAC team title. In addition to his duties as golf coach, Fazio also served on the NCAA District II Golf Committee from 1994-96, chairing the body during the 1995-96 season.
 
Fazio was also a member of the search committee that hired Jim Valvano as head men's basketball coach in 1974. He was the academic advisor for the Gaels' basketball team from 1976-82, as well as serving in the same capacity for the baseball team from 1980-88. Most recently, he served as Iona's Faculty Athletics Representative, an NCAA mandated appointment, for more than a decade until his retirement from Iona this past spring.
 
In lieu of flowers, Dr. Fazio's family requests donations be made to support the Iona College golf program. To make a gift in his honor, visit ICGaels.com/give and select "Dr. Frank R. Fazio '65 Memorial Support" as the designation.
 
Services for Dr. Fazio are as follows:
 
Visitation will be held on Friday, September 6, 2019, from 3-8 p.m. at:
Fred H. McGrath
20 Cedar Street
Bronxville, NY 10708
 
A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2019, at 9:45 a.m. at:
Church of Saint Joseph
15 Cedar Street
Bronxville, NY 10708