Frank Joseph Gautieri, 71, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away on October 27, 2025, at St. Luke's Hospital of Kansas City.

Frank was born on February 14, 1954, in Kansas City, Missouri, the son of Gene and Josephine Gautieri. A lifelong Kansas City native, Frank grew up in Northeast surrounded by many friends and relatives. He graduated from Northeast High School in 1972. Soon after, he auditioned and was accepted into the UMKC Conservatory—an extraordinary accomplishment for a self-taught musician who played entirely by ear. Frank mastered the guitar, drums, piano, and keyboard, spending decades playing in local bands throughout Kansas City. Whether performing at family gatherings, entertaining people at the casino, or playing in neighborhood bars, his music always lit up the room. He continued sharing his talent up until the time he became ill.

Frank is survived by his mother, Josephine Gautieri; his daughters, Andrea (Donnie) Cox and Sierra Gautieri; his granddaughters, Giuliana, Antonia, Sofia, and Victoria Cox; his brothers, Gene "Gino" Gautieri (Valerie), Jim Gautieri, and Steve Gautieri; his brother-in-law, Ronnie (Gayle) Lamendola; his nieces, Gina (Rob) Shorrock and Alexandra Gautieri; his nephews, Phillip Gautieri, Brandon (Lindsay) Lamendola, Dominick Lamendola, and Michael Gautieri; his great-nephews, Hudson and Sammy; and many cousins.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Gloria Gautieri , and his father, Gene M. Gautieri Jr.

Frank's life and relationships were complicated, and not without difficulty. His daughters have grown into strong, resilient women, and his granddaughters will be raised in an environment filled with love, stability, and support. The family will honor one another and continue forward with honesty and healing.

Visitation will be held at Passantino Bros. Funeral Home on Monday, November 3, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., with a memorial service to follow.

"His life was a song, and his memory is the music that will play on forever."