Noah Franklin Modisett

Born in a farmhouse in Indiana in 1931, Noah “Frank” Modisett graduated from Purdue University in 1953 and then left for Korea, where he served in the 159th Field Artillery Battalion.

After the war, he earned his Masters in Theater Arts from UCLA in 1957, and his PhD in Communications from USC in 1963.

Noah settled in San Pedro and taught as a tenured professor of speech and communication at Los Angeles City College until his retirement. During that time, he co-authored the textbooks “Speaking Clearly” and “Speaking Publicly.”

He retired from the Army as a full Colonel in 1991.

Frank devoted many years of service to the South Shores Homeowners Association and other civic groups in the city.  He enjoyed hiking in Friendship Park in San Pedro, where he would pick up litter every day with a metal pincer.

Noah disliked being called “doctor,” and would point out that he wasn’t the type of doctor who did anyone any good.  But in fact, he spent his life trying to do good for his family, his students and his community.

He is survived by his son, Tod, his daughter-in-law, Dani Klein, and his grandsons, Gabriel and Gideon Modisett.  His beloved wife Linda passed in 2005.

Burial of ashes will be at 2:00 p.m., on March 4, 2023, in Hopewell Cemetery at Deer Creek, where military rites will be accorded.

Kroeger Funeral Home is in charge of local arrangements.

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