About Frank M. Tedesco, Ph.D.
Frank was born in 1946 in Brooklyn, New York, to second generation Italian American parents, themselves children of immigrants born for many generations in a small hamlet outside Marsala on the western tip of Sicily. He holds a B.A. in Religious Studies from the University of California, Berkeley (1971), M.A. in Religious Studies from the University of Lancaster, UK (1974), and a Ph.D. in Buddhist Studies from Dongguk University, Korea. (1998). He had previously pursued doctoral research in medical anthropology at the University of Pennsylvania 1975-1980.
He completed a psychiatric residency in Anthropology as a practicum in transcultural psychiatry at the Hahnemann Medical School in Philadelphia in 1976-77 and was employed as a researcher in psychiatry at Johns Hopkins Medical School,1977-78.
Dr. Tedesco is known for his research on the social and religious dimensions of Buddhism and the practice of abortion in Korea, so-called Buddhist social engagement, multifaith relations, and culturally sensitive end-of-life care.
Frank felt a pressing need for wholistic life and death care for followers of the Dharma traditions outside of India, especially in North America. His concern led him to conceive and produce the film Good Death Auspicious Rebirth. This film introduces the basic worldviews of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. It is for those who care for and care about terminally people who hold the spiritual perspectives and values of these venerable traditions. In fact, all mortals, religiously minded or not, can learn how to approach the death of their loved ones and their own cherished selves by viewing this work.
Testimonials
I have known Dr. Frank Tedesco for many years, both in Philadelphia in the 1970s and in Florida. He is a gentleman whose dedication to aiding and supporting other people in their hour of true need is, and has always been, without any personal or ulterior motive.
Craig McCorkle, Seminole, Florida Feb 2023
I have known Frank for several years and have witnessed real examples of his assistance to those most in need. The history of his service organization, True Dharma International Buddhist Mission, which aids the poor and the dying gives credence to his unflagging dedication to his charitable work. (See www.truedharma.org).
Carl Hansen, Largo, Florida Jan 2023
Thank you so much for your help, suggestions & guidance to get me on a path to wholeness, health & happiness!
Your knowledge, resourcefulness and expertise made challenging situations turn mountains into mole holes.
You accomplished difficult situations with Grace and ease I thank you so much for all that you do and did for me and all that you are. You are such a gift to me and the community. Thank you very much. I've told everyone about you!
Hugs, Susaniii
Susan Patricia Golden, St. Petersburg, Florida Feb 2023
Dear honorable Dr. Frank sir,
I’m writing here to say thank you from me and my family, too. Yesterday the 8th of Feb 2023, I got financial help from you in my bank account. I really thank you for supporting us financially and emotionally. This will be great help for me and my family to overcome from this crucial situation (sudden death by accident of father-head of family).
I really appreciate your true emotions for us and helping nature to needy people. This will always remind me to be a human being like you.
I will give this amount to my mother and inform her that this help is from you. Also, I will send you her expression for this help.
Thank you so much.
Shilpa Bahade, Pune, Maharashtra, India