Frank J. Biondi Jr. ’66

Frank died Nov. 25, 2019, of bladder cancer, at his Los Angeles home.

Publications across the country reported and lamented his passing. The headline of The New York Times obituary was typical: “Frank Biondi, Quiet Powerhouse in Entertainment Industry, Dies at 74.” The accounts were uniform in emphasizing Frank’s gentlemanly manner and unfailing civility, along with his considerable business success.

Frank grew up in Livingston, N.J., and graduated from Livingston High School, where he was baseball team captain, All-State in that sport, and Boys State delegate. At Princeton he majored in psychology, belonged to Cannon Club, and was baseball centerfielder and lightweight football halfback.

After earning an MBA from Harvard in 1968, Frank began a spectacular business career that would include, among other significant accomplishments, leadership of HBO, Viacom, and Universal Studios.

He began serving a term as a University alumni trustee in 1995, the same year he received the Robert L. Peters Jr. ’42 Award for distinguished achievements in his field.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Carol Oughton Biondi; daughters Anne Biondi Simonds ’97 and Jane Biondi Munna ’00; six grandchildren; and brother Robert Biondi. The class extends its heartfelt condolences to them.