Obituary of Robert C. Frank

Warrensburg: Robert Frank, 86, passed away peacefully, Thursday, June 9, 2016 at home, with his loving wife of 55 years by his side. Born June 28, 1929 in Lynbrook, he was the son of Henrietta and Walter Frank. Bob began his piano study at the age of ten and made his musical debut in a dual concert with Mezzo Soprano Elizabeth Koehler on September 24, 1945 at Carnegie Recital Hall in Manhattan. At that concert, he also performed piano solos of Schumann, Brahms, and Debussey. Both Mrs. Koehler and Mr. Frank gave generously of time and talent during the war years, entertaining service personnel at service centers and U.S.O. clubs. He graduated from Malverne High School in 1947 and received his Bachelor's degree from the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam in 1951, continuing on with his graduate studies at Hofstra University, Ithaca College and New York University. Bob enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1951 and was stationed at Laon Air Force Base in France before being sent to the Twelfth Air Force Headquarters in Wiesbaden, Germany. He was honorably discharged in 1955. Bob married his wife, Mary, on January 14, 1961 at the First Presbyterian Church in Warrensburg. He taught music at Warrensburg Central School for over thirty years, where he was a fixture, providing piano accompaniment at dance recitals for students of Florence LaPointe, along with other musical shows. Following his retirement in 1986, the couple enjoyed numerous trips across the country, visiting national parks, historic sites, and many places of interest. Bob enjoyed downhill skiing up until age 75 in New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Colorado. He was also an avid gardener and photographer, and enjoyed many other outdoor sports such as boating, hiking, and camping. He is survived by his wife, Mary; daughters, Marla Bornstein and her husband, Bill, of Hopewell Junction, and Lesley Waters Dobis and her husband, Mike, of Wilton; brother, Edward Frank of Georgia; a sister-in-law, Ruth Levy of Colorado; five grandchildren, all of whom have graduated or are currently attending Clarkson University in Potsdam, Garry, Thomas, and Katherine Waters, and Sarah and Erika Bornstein. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. A celebration of Bob’s life will be held from 2 to 4 pm, August 20, 2016, at Hickory Hill Ski Lodge, 43 Hickory Hill Rd, Warrensburg. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Bob’s memory to Richards Library, 36 Elm Street, Warrensburg, NY 12885 or the Warrensburg Emergency Medical Service, Inc., PO Box 157, Warrensburg, NY 12885. Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online guestbook and condolences.