Michael John Frantz of Newton Centre, MA, died November 13th at home surrounded by the love of his family. Born on May 10, 1946, Mike was the son of the late Margaret McLean Frantz and the late Glenn Frantz. Mike is survived his wife, Anita Splendore, daughter Anna Frantz and her husband Matthew Levy of Erie, PA, son Jordan Frantz and his wife Jae Lee of Newton, grandchildren Elliott and Zachary Levy, sister Marny Frantz and her husband Dharman Rice of Westfield, VT, brother David Frantz and his wife Linda of Louisville, KY, and his nieces Niki Frantz Rutledge and Sara Bryant and their families.
A retired mathematics teacher and administrator at Brookline High School, Mike was a dedicated, creative, and compassionate teacher and administrator who believed in the democratizing value of public education. As a colleague put it, Mike was “a humble genius who always took the thoughtful and considered path to whatever course of action was best for kids.” Early in his career at Brookline High School he helped launch School Within a School (SWS), a participatory alternative education program that continues today. Later on, as the head of the math department and then assistant headmaster, Mike took great satisfaction in supporting and inspiring the faculty and solving problems. He remained a teacher throughout his retirement, tutoring students into his last weeks.
Mike’s response upon learning that he had cancer was “No more cheap wine,” which is how he lived his life for two decades following his diagnosis. He had a wide-ranging intellectual curiosity and embraced poetry, math, music, philosophy, crossword puzzles, and poker. His “curiosity and knowledge were boundless and yet he never felt the need to show off what he knew,” a friend recalled. He had a wry and ready wit with a strong sense of the absurd. A music lover whose tastes ranged from Mozart to Nina Simone to Emmylou Harris, Mike was a bluegrass aficionado and a player and collector of stringed instruments. He was a do-it-yourselfer, endless tinkerer, and self-taught carpenter.
He loved traveling with Anita to less traditional tourist destinations such as Alabama and Marfa, TX, eating well and experiencing the unique facets of life in different places. As a father, Mike was generous with his time, effort, and mind. He was endlessly patient, and naturally committed to providing his children with opportunities to learn and try new things, follow their curiosities, and explore all worlds. He enjoyed playing chess, listening to music, and doing math problems with his grandchildren.
The family extends their deep appreciation to the caregivers at Dana Farber Cancer Institute and to Good Shepherd Community Care. A memorial celebration of Mike's life will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mike's memory to the American Civil Liberties Union or to Dana Farber Cancer Institute would be appreciated.