NORWICH – Robert R. Frank, 77, of Norwich, passed away early Sunday morning, Aug. 17, 2008 in the Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital of Cooperstown.
Born in Hackensack, N.J., in September of 1930, Bob was the son of John and Theresa (Ramagli) Frank. He lived most of his early and adult life in the Greenwich Village area of New York City and was a graduate of the local schools. An athletic man, who played football for St. Anthony’s and baseball for the Manhattan Arrows. Bob reportedly had a shot at playing with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Until his retirement in 1991, he was employed as an adjuster by the Otis Elevator Company.
On Sept. 18, 1954, Bob married Joan M. Cole. In the early 1970s they purchased land in the Norwich area and built their vacation home, which became their permanent residence following Bob’s retirement. Bob was the family patriarch whose family came first, regardless. He was proficient at anything he turned his hand to, and continued to love sports, especially football, baseball, and ice skating. He also loved animals, and one of his joys after retirement was walking in his meadow. While living in Greenwich Village, he had attended Our Lady of Pompeii Catholic Church.
Bob is survived by his wife, Joan Frank of Norwich, and his children: Joann Clifford Frank and husband Andrew Wilson of Millerton, Glenn Frank and wife Sue of Niskayuna, Laura Koerner Frank of Pawling, Robert Frank Jr., and wife Judy of Niskayuna, and Christopher Frank and wife Maria of Lake Carmel. He is also survived by his brother, John Frank Jr. and wife Cleo of New Jersey; his sister-in-law, Sheila Frank of Hasbrouck Heights, N.J.; 10 grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. Bob was predeceased by his brother, Edward Frank.
Memorial services for Bob will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday from the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home. There will be no calling hours.