Frank Interlandi dies at 85

Frank Interlandi, painter and the last of the group of nationally known cartoonists who worked in Laguna Beach, died Feb.4. He was 85.

Frank and his twin brother, Phil, who died in 2002, were an integral part of the group of local cartoonists who gathered every afternoon originally at the White House bar and later at the Ivy House. They became known as the West Coast version of the literary pundits who met at the Algonquin.

Frank was a syndicated cartoonist for the Los Angeles Times. Phil was a cartoonist for Playboy and for the Laguna News Post.

“I am saddened that people only knew [my father] as a cartoonist,” said his daughter, Mia Interlandi-Ferreira. “He was a painter in his heart.”

Frank Interlandi was an exhibitor at the Festival of Arts for many of the six decades he lived in Laguna Beach.

A celebration of his life will begin at noon Friday, Feb. 12 at the gazebo in Heisler Park, a location chosen by his daughter. A ceremony was held there when the twin’s brother Joe died.

The celebration will continue at the Marine Room Tavern on Ocean Avenue where Frank Interlandi had his special spot.

“Everybody is invited,” said Councilman Kelly Boyd, tavern owner.

“I am going to miss him sitting in his little corner. For the 23 years that I have been here, he was here. He was the last of a special breed.”