HARRY FRANK Obituary


Dr. HARRY PELL FRANK  
Passed on April 6, 2014, at the age of 64, in Gaithersburg, Maryland, where he resided for 37 years. Harry was born on May 18, 1949, in Miami Beach, Florida, to Stanley and Anita Frank, and spent his childhood in Garden City, New York, with his parents and two younger sisters, Linda and Barbara. He met his wife, Mary, at the age of 16, at Garden City High School where they both attended, and they married in 1972. Harry attended Boston University and then New York University for dental school. His dental practice was based in Bethesda, Maryland, and he was revered by his patients for both his talent and compassion. Harry is survived by his wife, Mary; his four children, Jonathan, Nathaniel, Melissa, and Shannon; his son-in-law, Timothy; and his three grandchildren, Nolan, Jacob, and Isla. Harry was a vibrant man, and the center of every conversation. His intellect was only matched by his sense of humor, and his sincerity was unparalleled. He was a hero and inspiration to his family and friends, who witnessed his miraculous recovery from a life-altering stroke, which he endured at the age of 55. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and lived for the simple moments spent in the company his loved ones. He loved a round of golf-or three-and accomplished the amazing feat of two holes-in-one in his brief yet storied career. In spite of his physical challenges, he never gave up hope that he would make a return to the links following his stroke. The memorial service for Harry Frank will be held at 2 p.m. on April 10, 2014, at the Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center.

Published by The Washington Post on Apr. 8, 2014.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for HARRY FRANK

Sponsored by His Loving Family.

Not sure what to say?





Our Hearts and thoughts will be forever in our mines and hearts
Rest In Peace our dear cousin

Gary & Helene Lipsic

Family

April 2, 2019

So sorry to hear of his passing. We had him as a dentist along time ago. He was a wonderful man & dentist.

Ben & Barb

July 10, 2014

We were so sad to hear about Harry's death--God bless you all

Dede & Ben Burrell

May 14, 2014

Dear Mary,
Heartfelt sympathies are felt for your dear family. Stan & I were saddened to hear of Harry's passing. We treasure moments spent together at Village games
& in the neighborhood .
In our thoughts we are putting our arms around you and giving you a hug.
Love,

Sharon & Stan Steenrod

May 14, 2014

Dear Mary, Jonathan, Nathaniel, Melissa, and Shannon,

My thoughts and prayers are with you. I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. I have many fond memories of your family from our days back in Whetstone. I can only imagine what you're going through. I wish you the very best.

With Love,
Kathryn Deckert

May 13, 2014

Dear Mary, Nathaniel, Melissa, Shannon and Jonathan,

Lynne, Jaime, Greg and I were very sorry to hear of Harry's passing. It was always a pleasure to spend time talking with Harry while coaching baseball and basketball at MVSA. Harry was always a gentleman and sportsman though we were often on opposite teams. Our best wishes remain with your family.

Lynne and Gene Greenberg

April 30, 2014

Dear Mary,
I am so saddened to hear of Harry's passing. Such fond memories from our youth. In fact, he was my first date to a dance! (our mothers doing). My love and prayers are with your family.

Love,
Nancy Feldman Washington

April 30, 2014

My thoughts are with you at this time of loss.

diane gerber

April 28, 2014

My deepest sympathies are with you and your family. May his memory always be a blessing to you. Much love

Karen Rabins

April 23, 2014

Extending our sincerest condolences to all of you at this difficult time. Although it has been a long time, Harry is vivid in our memories. Sending you all our love...

Amy and Rob Garfinkel

April 22, 2014

Dear Anita, Barbara and Linda, I am so sorry to hear that Harry passed away. My deepest sympathy to all of you. Mindy Schaffel

April 22, 2014

Sincerest condolences to the Frank family. We grew up together at the Garden City Jewish Center.

April 22, 2014

Michael Stern

April 22, 2014

My his memory be a blessing.

Andy & Lisa Lacher

April 22, 2014

Dear Mary and your family, I am so very sorry to read of the passing of Harry. It has been many years since I saw you and Harry, but remember both of you with great fondness. May you find comfort in sweet memories and the love of your family and friends.

Gisele House Parker

April 22, 2014

Condolences to all of his wonderful family.

Richard&Linda Stein

April 22, 2014

Dear Frank Family,
I have such fond memories of Harry, what a wonderful man! So very sorry for your loss.....
Fondly,
Pam(Jaschik)Kravitz

Pamela Kravitz

April 22, 2014

We always have so much fun with your family. Your children are a tribute to you and Harry. What a legacy Harry has left.
Vicki and Ed

Vicki Courlang

April 22, 2014

Dear Mary, Jonathan, Nate, Melissa and Shannon- You have all been in my thoughts ever since I heard this sad news. I remember Harry being at every single open school night and every single concert while I was at MVMS. I remember how he always had a smile to share. It was easy to see the pride Harry felt for his children. Mary- you and Harry have built such a strong circle of love in your beautiful family. What an inspiration….what a legacy. Your family is always so special to me. ~ Kathy & Fred Herman

Kathy Herman

April 18, 2014

-continued- He was a respected dentist, a carpenter and builder, sports enthusiast, golfer, world traveler, and best of all a true family man. He knew what was important in life. I know Harry will be looking out for all of his family from heaven-rooting us all on!

Patti Pritchard

April 18, 2014

Harry and I were baseball buddies---I knew Harry through baseball before I ever even met Melissa. Tim's Dad was midget baseball coordinator and because he worked nights I often called the coaches for him to schedule make-up games. Harry was one of those coaches. At one particular time Mary had an extended illness-although Harry did not know me well he talked t at great length how worried he was about her and how much she meant to all of his family. After hanging up the phone I remember thinking I never had met a man so devoted to his wife and family! Harry also could be a trickster. After Tim and Melissa were married he said when he coached against my son his strategy to win was to put stones on the field by shortstop in hopes the ball would take a bad hop and then maybe Timmy would miss it. I am so happy that Harry got to go to a few Os games with us and even saw Shannon sing the National Anthem at Camden Yards. My last conversation with him was about picking another date to go. As Melissa said Harry appreciated life. Whenever I picked up the children from his house and asked him how things were going he would reply "life is good". Harry left us quite a legacy!

Patti Pritchard

April 17, 2014

Mary,
Stories of High School with Harry have been told and retold at Sylvester gatherings over the years. A true friend and consumate gentleman is fondly remembered. Please keep in touch.
Love,
Sylvie

April 17, 2014

Mary, while I haven't seen you since 1968 and I didn't know Harry I wanted to tell you how sorry I am for your loss. If the words of others is any indication, he was a great guy.

Ken Gilbert

April 17, 2014

It's taken me a while to think of what to say to all of you. I know there are no words that I can say that will make this easier on any of you. You have all endured so much as a family and your faith has been tested over and over again. The stories I've heard of how you have all come together as a family and persevered through all of it is inspirational to all of us. They joy I've seen in all of the family pictures is wonderful and I always love seeing them. I know your are all in great pain right now and have a huge gap in all your lives. They say we are never given more than we can handle, and maybe that's true but I know there are times when we all question that. I hope your faith will keep you strong through this sad time and your love for eachother will keep you together and help you heal. Know there are many of us that have you in our thoughts and prayers. I'm sure Harry is watching over you all with so many others we have lost. I truly believe that... Love being sent from Connecticut

Sue Hotkowski

April 17, 2014

I am very fortunate to be part of this family. When I met Mr. Frank (he always told me to call him Harry but out of respect I sometimes couldn't) Anyway, when I first met him and the rest of the family, Jonathan and I were dating and I had a son that was just 2 years old. Harry and Mary (as well as the entire Frank clan) accepted Alexander as their own grandchild/nephew just as Jonathan accepted Alex as his own. I truly will believe forever that you do NOT need DNA to be family.

I loved laughing with Harry and just hearing him tell stories from the past. The most recent visit in October of 2013 was a very special one. We stood in the kitchen and flipped through albums of the great trips that he took his family on and he told me about every one of them. I LOVED watching him reminisce of those wonderful times. His favorite was the trip to Israel. We sat there and listened to Jonathan play the piano and I swear he had tears in his eyes from the joy to hear and see his son play so brilliantly.

Jacob Stanley Frank was named Harry's Father; Stanley and I believe he loved that! I will always envision in my mind when Jacob would see him and just wave to him and run up to him and just hug his leg. I loved learning about what a great soul he was and wished I knew him longer BUT what I knew of him was extra special to me.

My heart will always be heavy for the family but I know that he will ALWAYS be everyone's angel and his great memory will live on forever.
We love you!
Ana, Jacob and Alexander

Ana Murillo

April 17, 2014

Loving, incredibly funny, intelligent, well-rounded, compassionate, determined, genuine, appreciative, and kind. These are the words that come to mind when I think of my beautiful dad.

My dad, known as Pappy to his grandchildren, was so soft-hearted and loving. He would look forward to Nolan and Isla coming over each morning and loved starting his day with them. Dad would take Nolan on bike rides with Nathaniel and Munson and go to lunch and later he'd report to me the funny or special conversations they had. Dad loved teaching Nolan. He would sit with Nolan on his lap, and teach him his ABCs, shapes, colors, and about the planets using youtube videos and apps on his ipad. After preschool, my dad would watch Little Einstein with Nolan and talk about all of the music, the composers, and the instruments used during the show. Dad would talk to Isla and keep her company each day while she played in her playpen. I loved watching his face as he interacted with my kids, his grandchildren. It was this look of pure joy, appreciation, and love for them. His happiness was overflowing.

He was so special. He used to take me to Children's Place as a kid to go clothes shopping and he got such pleasure having this special time with me. He loved Valentine's Day. He would pick out a stylish purse or sweater each year and he would be so excited to give Mom, Shannon and I our presents, many times blurting out what it was before we opened it.

Dad always showed his deep love for my mom. Every birthday, anniversary, and Valentine card was carefully thought out and so meaningful. My dad cared so much about what was written on a card for my mom. He would draft it out on his notepad and then transfer it to the card once he perfected what he wanted to say. Dad loved watching mom smile as she would read his loving words.

Dad was clever about making you think you had options. In middle school, I told him I wanted a phone in my room. We were riding in the car and he said that if I could guess the composer of the classical piece that was playing, he'd get me a phone. I guessed correctly. Dad was so surprised and proud of me for knowing the musician. I'm still waiting for that phone.

He asked me at 13 years old, “For your Bat Mitzvah, do you want a party that will last one day or a 10 day family trip to Israel?” Being 13, I said, “A party!” I am so thankful he made the final decision. I just recently told my dad how our trip to Israel was wonderful, but the most special part was preparing for it with him, lying on my rug in my bedroom next to him, memorizing prayer after prayer, using endless tapes. Dad would just lie there with me and listen as I practiced and just having that time with him was perfect.

My dad taught me how to love every second of life. Dad was always taking videos and pictures of us growing up. Once I had kids of my own, I would tell him an endearing story about something Nolan said, and my dad would say, “Write it down, Melissa. You will forget it so write it down.” Whenever Nolan was rambling on about this and that, my dad would just smile and be so amused and delighted to listen. He would say, “Melissa, you need to record this. You want to capture his voice as it is right now.” I promise to always follow this precious advice.


Dad recently attended Nolan's very first teeball game. He was so excited to watch his grandson play baseball. He strategized the best way to walk to the field where Nolan was playing in order to get the best view. My dad loved every second of Nolan's game, laughing, smiling, and cheering the whole time. Later that night, Dad sent me an email as we always did with each other, and he wrote the following: “We had a special time tonight. Nolan is a character and he really likes mixing up with his teammates. I am sure glad to have a chance to witness my grandson playing baseball, along with the family too. I love you.” Dad never took a moment for granted and I will carry out his way of living life.

I was blessed for 32 years with the most special father. I know he lives on through me, my mom, all of my siblings and my children, along with everyone he touched.

Nolan said to me the other morning, “Pappy is up in the sky with the twinkle stars.”

Dad, I love you to the moon and back and always will.

Melissa Pritchard

April 16, 2014

“Here's to swimming with bow-legged women.” My dad inserted that quote into a game of charades at Fourth Lake, many moons ago…so why not start there. He'd like it.

I remember, as the tide went out, my dad would take me about a ¼ up the beach, on Cape Cod Bay, til we reached the outflow point of little stream. That's where we would start digging for clams. He taught me how to find the little holes in the sand, dig in with my hand, and scoop out the poor sleeping mollusks. We'd do this until our bucket was full and we had the best appetizer two guys could ever hope for. They were always delicious….in their own weird clammy kinda way. Totally delicious. Clearly this is a fond memory that I will have with me forever.

I remember one Saturday morning in the spring….. I was 8……Baseball practice. My dad was there. Practice was wrapping up. For some reason, the coach decided to have my dad go to bat before we all left. What happened next exhilarates me to this day. He proceeded to hit one over all of the outfielders and almost to the school. Pretty cool. Next pitch. Same thing. Next pitch. Bam. Same thing. Next pitch. Over their heads…again. The other kids went from bored and distracted little boys who wanted to go home to guys who were awe-inspired and just excited to track down the remnants of another home run. My dad probably hit about 20 of these in a row. Very impressive. But more important than anything.....any questions I had about who I was in this world and how I compared to the other boys my age, were answered with one simple thought. My dad is Babe Ruth……My dad is Babe Ruth.

On a cold night in 1986, me, Nathaniel, and my dad woke up at 4:30 in the morning, loaded up in the car with another couple of dads and their kids and drove to hill in town. The men decided which direction was east north-east and they broke out the binoculars. We passed them around, each person taking turns looking at a blurry thing that resembled nothing like the glorious pictures I'd seen of Halley's Comet. Next time, we'll bring a telescope, but thank you Dad, for taking us out to see it. It certainly was the thought that counts.

My dad took me to every worthwhile fish store and baseball card store in the state of Maryland, and sometimes on vacations. We scoured the state for good tree farms, brought plants back from Long Island and Cape Cod. We ordered them from Michigan. It was his passion to promote mine.

In the summer of 1991, my dad took me on an extensive tour of the southeast colleges and universities. We went to about 15 different schools from North Carolina to Florida. We stopped in Athens, Georgia twice…because I asked. He put forth more effort helping me find a college that I would like to go to, than I ever did attaining the grades entailed with attending most of these places. He certainly did his part.

I find myself quoting my father all the time and referring to things he told me when talking to people, everywhere. I've told people that, when I was younger, my conscience was his voice, when contemplating things of importance. I picked a chicken pock on my eyebrow so I'd have a scar just like his. He was shocked when I told him that.

Through thick and thin, I've always known, though he and I had our differences, that he was a great man. He only wanted to succeed and provide for his family. And that's exactly what he did. I, along with my family, will love him forever because of this and who he was. It was never lost on any of us.

Jonathan Frank

April 16, 2014

Dear Mary and all the family - Jim and I were shocked and saddened to hear the news of Harry. Although we did not know him well, we knew how wonderful a man he was and how kind and thoughtful and inspiring in his battle to come back from his illness years ago.. amazing person and what a lovely and supportive family he had indeed. We are thinking of all of you at this time and send our love and sympathy to this beautiful family. Love, The Shallecks - Jim and Sheila and family

April 14, 2014

Dear Mary and Family
I was so very sorry to hear of Harry's passing. He was still such a young man. He was a colleague of mine as well as a golfing buddy; but most important, he was a very dear friend. He was a devoted husband and father. He was a knowledgable, caring doctor to his dental patients. He was a true professional who stood at the forefront of his chosen profession. It is hard for me to bear the fact that I am using the past tense about my dear friend, Harry.
Harry will be sorely missed; but never forgotten.
Rest in peace, my friend: rest in peace!
Jack Frensilli

Jack Frensilli

April 9, 2014

My deepest sympathies, may he rest in eternal peace.

Angela Balaba

April 9, 2014

Dearest Mary and family. We were deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Harry, such a dear sweet kind man. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all and we wish you long and healthy lives.
Nick and Carol Hillman
We are out of town but will be in touch upon return.

Carol Hillman

April 9, 2014

Dearest saddened to here of the loss of Harry. A sweet kind gentleman. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you and we wish you long and healthy lives.
Nick and Carol Hillman

Carol Hillman

April 9, 2014

We were so sorry to hear of the passing of Harry. We first met Harry when he began his dental practice in Bethesda and always looked forward to our visits because it was such a pleasure to see him and chat about any number of amazing topics. His since of humor was always appreciated.
Rest in peace,
Pat and Fran Conway

April 9, 2014

Dear Mary and Family,
Harry was my best friend and the best man I have ever known. All the years Harry and I were friends our golf pairing in all the tournements was made in heaven! We made all the strategic plans on how to win, but we never did!! We had a lot of fun, forged an unbreakable relationship, that lasted decades.
He will leave a hole in all our lives , which the memories will hopefully in time start to fill.
Our thoughts are with you.
Margaret & Roger

Roger Moore

April 9, 2014

Dear Aunt Anita , Mary , Linda , Barbara and family,
Our warm thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult period of time.
I was fortunate to learn many things from my older cousin Harry.
Harry was blessed having a wonderful family that gave him endless love and support.
With much ,
Karen,Jimmy ,Jason and Madison

April 8, 2014

Mary and family, Iris and I want to offer our deepest condolences. May your happy memories of Harry ultimately bring you peace.

Iris and Bobby Kornhauser

April 8, 2014

To: Mary,Jonathan,Nathaniel,Melissa,Shannon and Aunt Anita..Words cannot express our feelings towards the Frank Family. We will miss Haryy deeply and the fond memories we have of us growing up. He will greatly be missed and our love and sincere sympathy to you all.

All our love Helene and Gary

April 8, 2014

Dear Mary and family,
We are sorry about your loss. Julie and and I have many fond memories of you, Harry and the kids when we fortunately landed next door to you guys on Appeals Place 25 years ago. We will cherish those memories and wish the entire Frank family peace during this difficult time.

With love, the Nissons

April 8, 2014

Dear Mary and Family,
Our sweet friend Margaret wrote me of Harry's passing. A big lump gathered in my throat. Things are difficult, but you have one another. Please know we are thinking of you.
Fondly, Nan,Julia,Jamie,and Jeff Martin

Nan Martin

April 8, 2014

Mary, we are so sorry to learn of Harry's passing. He was a good, good man and will be remembered and missed by all who knew him. We wish you and your fine family well during this difficult time.

David and Susan Bratt-Pfotenhauer

April 8, 2014

We are so sorry for your loss. Harry was such a special person in so many ways. I talk about him regularly when I'm sharing stories from my studio with new teachers. There were so many good years together.

Michiko Yurko

April 8, 2014

Dear Mary: I first met you and Harry at your college graduation which your brother Bill for some reason insisted that I attend with him. I think the rest of your family wondered why I was there. Harry was as easy to like then as he was when I saw him next at Bill's wedding to Tamara (where I learned from him and you that my nephew Andres was a great baseball pitcher) and when last saw him at Kiawah Island for the Garvey family gathering. I think it was Harry who got everyone to agree to Kiawah that year. Everyone but Harry was stunned by the SC heat in July. He seemed oblivious to it. I sat talking with him on the edge of that swimming pool with the tepid and somewhat cloudy water for quite some time. He was curious about everything and very funny. Harry, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Michael

Michael O'Connell

April 8, 2014

Dear Mary, Jonathan, Melissa, Nathaniel and Shannon,

You will all be in our prayers and those of our entire family in the days and weeks ahead. We loved Harry, and he will live on in our memories.

Fondly,

Stella and Joe O'Connell

April 8, 2014

With my sincere sympathy & great compassion.

Beverly Walker

April 8, 2014

May you find peace in God's loving arms. Harry's witticisms and thought out advice influences me to this day. All the stories & deep friendship that we had will remain.

Lynn Boyd

April 8, 2014

Showing 1 - 45 of 45 results

Make a Donation
in HARRY FRANK's name

Memorial Events
for HARRY FRANK

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support HARRY's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor HARRY FRANK's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more