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Frank Fagan Obituary

FAGAN--Frank, Poet. Author of The Moonlit Door, The Derelict Genius of Martin M, Maginn, and Pick A Word. Poet, soldier, editor, political organizer, Frank Fagan died swiftly September 22nd. He was 68. Novelist Burt Cole wrote that his poetry transmuted ordinary, everyday agonies into things of beauty and that no poet was more aware of the absurdities and indignities of existence. Frank lived intentionally, with great human dignity, elegance, and wit. He leaves the products of that life to us. He is survived by his family, dear friends, loves.

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Published by New York Times on Oct. 1, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Frank Fagan

Sponsored by Les & Mary Seltzer.

27 Entries

joan bondy

March 18, 2007

Dear Dierdre, Bob, Liam, Sean, Family and Friends, I'm remembering Frank as his birthday approaches. I wish he were still here to correspond with! I miss him-- especially as he knew my parents so well such a long time ago and we shared those precious memories. Old Albany and Troy gossip as well! And of course, those wonderful visits in and around Old Chatham and newer topics of discussion. Never forgotten. Frank, I know I speak for many when I say, thanks a lot for looking after us.
Love to you all.

Tom Tolnay

October 2, 2006

Dear Deirdre & family,
We want you to know that Frank was and remains very special to his friends at Birch Brook Press--we admired him as a good person with a keen intelligence, and as a first-rate writer. In the course of publishing two of his books, THE DERELICT GENIUS OF MARTIN M and THE MOONLIT DOOR, we also learned that he was a man who took literature very seriously, and we often shared our concerns in letters, emails and telephone conversations about the diminished place of poetry in American life today. We're very proud to have published Frank's wonderful poetry.

Sharon Anderson

September 30, 2006

Dear Deirdre, Bob and Liam:
I am so sorry about your Dad, Dee, I feel like I knew him after many, many telephone conversations with him. It was just going to be days before I had the pleasure of meeting him, and I am so saddened by his death. I love you all, Your
"Arizona Mom".

Warren Frank

September 29, 2006

My heartfelt condolences on Frank's passing. I never had the pleasure of meeting Frank in person, but knew him through the many phone conversations we had following the death of a mutual friend. After our first call, I felt that I was speaking to a friend. May the sorrow of his passing be replaced by the joys of remembering a man whose many accomplishments, unusual insights and marvelous sense of humor reflected his boundless zest for life. It was an honor to have made his acquaintance.

Danielle Hyrne

September 28, 2006

Dear Deirdre, Bob, Liam, and family,

I truly saddened for your loss. I remember Deirdre reading Frank's work, with great delight, to us at a St. Patrick's Day gathering.

I also remember a picture of Frank with beautiful orange and yellow fall leaves, and Deirdre's stories of New Year's Eve in his town.

Thinking of you all and sending lots of love,
Danielle

Suzanne Williams

September 28, 2006

Dierdre, Bob, Liam, and Sean:
When Frank moved to Quincy just 5 weeks ago, i missed him terribly. How lucky you were to spend his last days with him. He will always be in my thoughts and prayers, as will you.

Maury Hartigan

September 28, 2006

So sorry to learn of Frank's death. Although it's been decades since our paths cross I knew Frank growing up in Troy. Among his other gifts was an incredible arm , and not only on the pitchers mound. Walking home from Sacred Heart school one day Frank froom one side of Pawling Ave threw a snowball at me on the other side and hit his target bullseye in the eye. 53 yrs later my vision is unimpaired and it was the kindness of Frank and Dr and Mrs Fagan that still resonates. My sincerest sympathy to his children , grandchild as well as Carolyn and Brian.

Tad Arapoglou

September 28, 2006

I never had the pleasure of meeting Frank, but I do remember two separate occasions in which Deirdre read his work in front of our class. I remember being captivated by the flow and rhythm of his work, not to mention touched by the raw emotion behind it. I wish I had received the opportunity to meet him, but in some respects, through his work and through his daughter, I feel I already have. I wish everybody who knew him the best in these difficult times.

Vicki, Your SW Cousin

September 27, 2006

Deirdre, Bob, Liam and Sean,

I was sorry to hear of your loss. I am glad he got to spend as much time as he could with Liam. I love the pictures in the photo album...they show many happy memories.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Call me if you need to talk!

Loren Weinheimer

September 27, 2006

I remember Frank as a poet, watching the world carefully and choosing his words to describe it. He was a lovely curmudgeon as well.

Tim Olson

September 27, 2006

I’ve known Frank via the vibrant stories of him told by his son Sean, and the rich and positive effect he has had on his life. My condolences.

Lisa DeJesus

September 27, 2006

Deirdre, Bob, Liam and Sean -
I am truly sorry for your loss. I know how much Frank meant to all of you, and how happy you were to finally have him with you in Quincy. Your father's memory lives on through you D, as a writer, a teacher, a parent, and a friend... his influence on you, his legacy, is there. You represent the best of him.
With love,
Lisa

Ann Tierney

September 26, 2006

Deirdre, Bob, and Laim - I am so sorry for your loss and for the years Liam won't have his papa. I understand that Frank was a great man and I wish I had had the pleasure of knowing him. Treasure your memories and you will keep him alive in your hearts. God has another angel to grace heaven.

Doug Ireland

September 26, 2006

Frank was a joyous political comrade back in the years when I managed Bella Abzug's campaigns, a friend whose wit and humor and insights enriched us all, and a talented man with words. His sudden departure is sad news and leaves us all poorer. My heartfelt sympathies to all his family and freinds.
DOUG IRELAND

Les & Mary SELTZER

September 26, 2006

Bob, Deirdre, Liam & Sean,
We are so sorry that we cannot be with you at this time. Please know that you are constantly in our thoughts. What a beatiful legacy this obituary will be for Frank, your Father & Grandfather, for years to come. We love you.

Joseph Spagnoli

September 26, 2006

Deirdre, Bob, and Liam, Frank will always be with you; he lives in your life, and in the lives of all those who knew and loved him.

Lynn Wolf

September 26, 2006

I am so sorry that Frank did not have more time--to be with his family and many friends, to write more poems and wry observations about people and life, and to feel the peace and contentment he deserved.
To Deirdre, Sean, Bob, Liam, and the many others who loved Frank, I send heartfelt sympathies.
With love,
Lynn Wolf

Josette Percival

September 26, 2006

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. I met Frank when I first arrived from France in 1967 and we always remained friend, even when I was far away. I will miss him. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Josiah Gould

September 26, 2006

My sincere condolences to Deirdre, Bob, and Liam.