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Howard Frank
1941 - 2017
Howard Frank
1941 - 2017
Obituary
Guest Book
Howard Frank Obituary
HOWARD FRANK (1941-2017)
Dr. Howard Frank, inducted in 2013 as a “Pioneer” to the Internet Hall of Fame for fundamental contributions to the development of the Internet, and recipient of the Department of Defense’s highest civil honor, a Presidential Distinguished Service Medal, died Monday, May 1, 2017, of complications resulting from a bacterial infection. He was 75.
In 1970, Frank started his entrepreneurial career with the founding of Network Analysis Corporation, following his tenure as Assistant Professor of Engineering and Computer Science at the University of California, Berkeley. After serving as a special consultant to the Executive Office of the President and other governmental agencies, he continued his work in telecommunications as President and CEO of Contel Information Systems, a subsidiary of Contel Corporation (1969-1985) and Founder, CEO and President of Network Management Inc. ("NMI") (1985-1990).
Frank then left his corporate career to again contribute his expertise in information technology to the government, as Director of the Information Technology Office, Defense Advanced Research Project Agency ("DARPA"), and Founding Director of the Defense Department's Advanced Information Technology Services Joint Program (1994-1997). The final stage of his long career began in 1997 with his appointment as Dean of the Robert H. Smith School of Business, University of Maryland, College Park. He retired from the Business School faculty as full Professor in 2015.
Known by all as a strong leader with vision and tremendous energy, as Dean, Dr. Frank incorporated technology into every aspect of the University's curriculum and dramatically grew the school's national rank and reputation to a top 10 U.S. business school. Over his career, he wrote two textbooks, was member of dozens of editorial and corporate boards, contributed hundreds of technical papers to academic journals and books, and was a regular featured speaker and expert commentator on matters relating to information technologies and telecommunications.
He also was a renowned avid collector and fan of fantasy and science fiction visual art and literature, holding one of the world's largest private collections, and co-authored two compendium art books with his wife, Jane, featuring selections from the collection.
Dr. Frank is survived by his wife, Jane Frank, of 52 years, three children (David, Laura, and Erica), and four grandchildren (David Douglas, Jr., Jennifer, Eve, Sarah).
We invite you to share condolences for Howard Frank in our Guest Book.
In lieu of flowers, a donation in memory of Howard Frank can be made online in support of the Howard Frank Endowed Scholarship Fund at the University of Maryland, established upon his retirement from the Robert H. Smith School of Business. Online contributions can be made at http://giving.umd.edu/giving/fund.php?name=howard-frank-endowed-scholarship-fund
Checks, made out to the UMCP Foundation, with a memo line for the 21-40335 can be sent to:
Office of Gift Acceptance
4603 Calvert Road
College Park, MD 20740-3421
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Samuel Cuscovitch
October 29, 2020
Sorry to learn of Howard's passing. He was my mentor during the early stages of my telecommunications career late 1970s. Retained correspondences with him & some of his classic works-of-art. Great sense of humor he had. Late condolences to family.
Hongliang GUO
June 9, 2019
I feel deeply sorry that Howard left us. I came to his article in 1969, where he laid down the work of shortest path in probabilistic graphs. It influences me greatly. May the very best!
Ingrid Neilson
September 30, 2017
I just found out about Howard's passing ... very surprising and very sad. It was always a pleasure to see him & Jane over the years at various Worldcons, WFCs, & art shows, and I will treasure the memory of my last visit with him a few years ago "talking art" at his kitchen table. He was a wonderful man, with a kind, gentle, giving spirit, and he will be very much missed.
Patrick McGregor
June 13, 2017
I was very sad to learn of Howard's passing. His life was too short for someone who brought so much to so many. During my work for Howard at NAC and Contel, he was a great leader and an inspiration. NAC went through some tough times, and through them all Howard led with commitment, conviction, courage and compassion in addition to his intuitive understanding of sound business practice and the keys to success. I will be forever grateful for the opportunities and support he gave me.
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Chris Moore
June 12, 2017
I was shocked to hear of his passing as he looked so well when I last saw him, sharing a greek meal with the Franks and other fellow artists on their last visit to London last summer.
A wealth of experience and knowledge is lost to us as well as a fine gentle man and exceptional human being..
Ellen Vartanoff
June 11, 2017
I was so very sorry to hear of Howard's passing. He was someone who cherished F & SF Illustrations at a time when we were just begining to be accepted in a wider realm. A delightful and knowledgeable gentleman, he and Jane are one of the major reasons for scholarly research and academic displays now being the norm, rather than the unusual exception.
May 15, 2017
Howard was a man who wore many hats.....and wore them all with equal vitality. I have many fond memories and shall now hold them even closer. My sincere condolences and love, Jane.
David Aronovitz - Rochester, Michigan & Altair 4 in the Delta Quadrant.
John Knott
May 15, 2017
I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Howard. He was a knowledgeable book collector. He was always a pleasure to talk to. The science fiction field will miss him.
May 10, 2017
Alex and I were so dismayed to hear about Howard's passing. And I will never forget visiting at your home and being able to spend time sitting and talking to him and to you. He was such a warm and charming guy.
----Phyllis Eisenstein
Jack Gates
May 9, 2017
We were fortunate to have Howard to lead the Smith School to the place among the top business schools that it enjoys today.
He was a man of vision, humor, highest of standards, and a passion for doing the best we are able today - with a clear eye on how we can do it even better tomorrow.
He remains a friend, a mentor, a role model to guide others to achieve their potential and an all around wonderful person.
I will miss his physical presence in my life but will have him near in memory and as a key influence in my success - past and future.
Howard will be missed but we are blessed to have had him among us for as long as we did!
Don Maitz
May 9, 2017
I am very sorry that Howard has left us. He was an intensely bright light. Full of enthusiasm and perception. He was an ardent supporter of the imaginative arts and a wonderfully pleasant human being, always interested and interesting. He was one of the initial developers of the internet. He worked in academic circles but had his feet firmly planted in speculative universes. He loved the odd and wonderful. He collected with a passion and he loved to share what he loved. I am so glad I met him and if I can take a bit of his memory with me, I will be a better human being
Greg and Jael aka jael Ruesch
May 8, 2017
Jane, Greg and I are shocked, and deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Howard. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your wonderful family at this painful time.
Greg and Jael Ruesch aka jael
May 8, 2017
Jane so sorry to hear of your husband's passing. Tragically young.
Jean Scrocco and Greg Hildebrandt
John Sapienza
May 8, 2017
He was a gentle, funny, brilliant man in his business, engineering, and academic careers. I met him while working on conventions with Peggy Rae, as Jane was a major agent and collector of SF art. Jane Frank and Peggy Rae Sapienza were Guests Of Honor at ChiCon7 in 2012.
My condolences to Jane in this difficult time.
Renee Bream
May 8, 2017
My love to you, Jane, Jenny, Doug, David, and Laura. I will always treasure my Uncle Howard's sardonic grin. What a challenge to complacency! His brilliance and love of art inspires me to never forget all that life can offer. And I will always remember his generous words of encouragement. I love you, "Uncle Howie"!
Jay Sedrish
May 7, 2017
It is easy to become overwhelmed by all the (much deserved) praise for Howard's brilliance, his contributions in the field, and his leadership. One aspect of his personality also stands tall in my mind: his sense of humor. Howard often had a wry, off-hand wit with a delivery could be razor sharp if the situation called for it to be so. I can remember trading jokes with him in his kitchen in a sort of "joke-off" session which to this day makes me chortle out loud in its hilarity. I pride myself in my joke telling ability, but Howard was an absolute master who could, with seeming ease, reduce his audience to tears of laughter. We will miss him terribly.
Susan Pilkington
May 7, 2017
Dear Laura, Our condolences to you and your family. Your father had an amazing distinguished career and made significant contributions to government, society and ideas in so many diverse areas. It is sad for everyone when a great man passes. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Susan, Mark and Charlotte Pilkington (London, UK)
Ray & Deb Tolomeo
May 6, 2017
So very sad to read of Howard's passing. For the nearly 30 years that we've know Howard, his warmth and smile were always welcoming - whether at his home or some convention somewhere across the country. We will miss him. All our love and prayers....
Pat morrissey-Lewis
May 6, 2017
I was saddened to hear of Howard passing. He was friendly and encouraging. He will be missed by the Science Fiction community. My condolences to Jane and the rest of the family.
Allison Barrows
May 6, 2017
We lost a good friend. Jane, we've spoken about life-long love. There is nothing greater. You and Howard had that, will always have it, and inspire those of us who hope to follow your example to the end of this life - and into the next. The greatest gift one can give to oneself is a good marriage. You and Frank were the marriage eminence grise for those of us artist couples just starting out. We will see you this year, we promise. - Allison Barrows and Romas Kukalis
Christine Valada
May 6, 2017
I am sorry to hear of Howard's death. I believe I met him on a photo assignment and something in his office led to a conversation about science fiction art and the people I knew in the field. I left DC in 1989 and occasionally ran into him or Jane, but it has been a long time. My condolences to Jane and the rest of his family.
Brad Hutchings
May 6, 2017
So sad to hear of Howard's death. Such an accomplished man, and verygracious. Ann and I send our thoughts and prayers to you Jane, and to the entire family.
With much love,
Brad and Ann Hutchings
Patrice Lyons & Bob Kahn
May 6, 2017
Howard's friendship and wisdom over the years brought us much happiness. We will miss him greatly. Our condolences to Jane and her family.
Melissa Conway
May 6, 2017
Howard Frank was one of the most remarkable men it was my privilege to meet. Brilliant, creative, gracious, and philanthropic--amazing in every respect. My thoughts are with Jane and his children and grandchildren at this difficult time.
Susan Shwartz
May 6, 2017
A great gentleman of humor and cultivation who was never too busy to stop and exchange greetings and who had impeccable taste in art. An outstanding scientist and of great service to his country. I miss him already.
Jim Burns
May 6, 2017
So saddened by the news. Howard was a lovely chap, full of old-fashioned charm and deep knowledge on so many fronts. I shall treasure the memory of the last time we met, along with Jane accompanying him on one of their trips to one of their favourite cities, London...where with a few other U.K. artists we enjoyed Greek food on the banks of the Thames, next to the Globe Theatre. That was last summer...and Howard was on top form. He will be missed. My condolences to Jane and the whole Frank family.
Jill Bauman
May 5, 2017
I am so sorry to hear of Howard's passing. He was a brilliant and accomplished man who was so down to earth. He and Jane supported and encouraged so many artists over the years, including myself, for which I will be forever grateful. My deepest condolences to Jane and family.
Vinesh Gupta
May 5, 2017
I first met Howard in 1998 at UMD. It is very sad to hear the news. He was a visionary and charismatic leader. The excitement and energy was palpable during his tenure as Dean at UMD. I'm fortunate to have worked under his leadership at Smith School, UMD. My sincere condolences to Jane and the family.
Darrin & Bernadine Venticinque
May 5, 2017
My wife & I were extremely fortunate to have met Howard when we were invited to his & Janes' house in VA. about 5 years ago. It was a day we will both never forget. We both met him again about a year or so ago in NYC. We are both shocked & devastated by this sudden news of his passing. Our thoughts & prayers are with Jane & their family at this most difficult time.
Charles Mohapel
May 5, 2017
I have fond memories of how gracious Howard and Jane were during the Chesley Awards Ceremonies I photographed for ASFA in 1999 to 2001. Requiescat In Pace, Howard. My deepest condolences to Jane and the family.
Allen Batson
May 5, 2017
Always a gentleman. All who knew him were enriched by his company. Very sad I won't have the opportunity again.
Dan Fowlkes
May 5, 2017
I am so sorry to hear of Howard's passing. My sincere condolences to you Jane and the rest of your family and friends.
Stuart Hellinger
May 5, 2017
I am very sorry to hear this. It has been a very long time since I last saw Howard. I remember a convention many years ago where some of us were invited to see some of the art collection that he and Jane had put together. My memory of that day and of Howard will live forever. He was a wonderful human being. Condolences to his family.
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