Dr. Ramzi Frangul, Sacred Heart University Professor Emeritus

From Shaughnessey Banks Funeral Home.

Dr. Ramzi Frangul, of Fairfield, Professor Emeritus of Economics and Finance at Sacred Heart University, passed away peacefully June 29, 2014 at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Bridgeport after a brief illness. He was 84.

He will be mourned by his son, Nadhim “Nazz” Frangul.

Ramzi came to the United States as a young man and earned his master’s degree from Loyola University and his doctorate from New York University. He previously resided in New York and New Jersey before moving to Connecticut and settling in Fairfield. Those who knew him respected him as “his own man” and greatly admired his strength of character.

He was among the founding chairmen of the Department of Economics and Finance at Sacred Heart and spent more than 30 years as a member of the faculty there, building the undergraduate and graduate programs for what eventually became known as the John F. Welch College of Business. On his retirement several years ago, he became the second professor emeritus in the history of the school. Widely published in academic journals, he was recognized as a gifted teacher and economist.  In later years, it was commonplace for him to encounter appreciative former students in all walks of life who remembered their college economics classes with him. During his career, he received multiple awards for teaching excellence.

“He was a masterful teacher, a great mentor and superb economist who touched so many lives.” said Lucjan T. Orlowski, Ph.D., the current chair of the Department of Economics and Finance.   “His colleagues immensely valued his high pedagogical standards and exemplary professional integrity.”

He was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Nancy Potts-Frangul, a much-honored Broadway costume designer. Together, the couple were widely known and appreciated for their hospitality and generosity to friends and family. He was also predeceased by his brother, Tahseen. In addition to his son, Dr. Frangul is survived by his brother, Subhi Frangoul; his sister, Liza Frangoul; and a large extended family.

Friends are invited to attend a graveside service on Thursday, July 3, at 11 a.m. at Mountain Grove Cemetery, 2675 North Ave., Bridgeport with Very Rev. Fr. Noury officiating.  Funeral procession will meet just inside the main gate located at the corner of North Ave. and Dewey St. at 10:45 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.