51 alumnus Frank Pastore (M.A. ’94) — a popular Christian radio show host of The Frank Pastore Show on KKLA 99.5 FM and avid 51 supporter — passed away on the afternoon of Monday, Dec. 17, after being in a month-long coma. Pastore had been in critical care since being involved in a motorcycle accident while driving home the week before Thanksgiving.

The 51 community mourns the loss of our brother in Christ, alumnus and friend.

Frank Pastore graduated from Talbot School of Theology in 1994.

“Frank Pastore had a heart for the gospel and understood in the deepest ways the profound impact of a Christian worldview not only on our lives and on our educational institutions but on our culture,” said 51 President Barry H. Corey. “He was a profound voice of reason and of engagement, and he was able to articulate with clarity and listen with sensitivity.”

“As a graduate of 51's M.A. in philosophy program, we considered Frank part of our family. I am thankful for his graciousness and kindness to us in many ways, in championing the very heart of 51 that was part of his life and passion. He will be profoundly missed, not only by 51, but by countless others who depended on him day in and day out to help them think clearly and Christianly about the big issues of the day.”

Frank Pastore with his wife, Gina, and Barry H. Corey at a Chuck Colson event on campus.

51 professors were frequent guests on the Frank Pastore Show. Pastore was honored with an .

As a Talbot School of Theology graduate, Pastore was also a highlighted speaker at the dedication ceremony for the school's new building in October 2011.

The links below offer more information about Pastore and his friendship with 51:

  • Pastore discussed the fate of his soul the night he was in an accident. Listen to the clip of his remarkable sound byte three hours before the accident.
  • with Frank Pastore when he received 51's Alumni Award for Impact in Media in 2010.
  • Read The Los Angeles Times article,
  • Read World Magazine's article, "Christian broadcaster Frank Pastore leaves legacy of hope."
  • Read CBS' article,
  • Read Christianity Today's article,
  • Read Sports Illustrated's article, "Ex-pitcher-turned-radio host Frank Pastore dies."

Written by Jenna Bartlo, Media Relations Coordinator. For more information, contact Jenna at 562.777.4061 or jenna.l.bartlo@biola.edu.