R. Frank Falk

Professor, researcher, mentor to so many, loving husband, and father, R. Frank Falk passed away on April 23, 2023, at the age of 81 after fighting pneumonia and other respiratory infections over the past several months.

Frank was born to June and Julius Falk on May 26, 1941, and leaves behind his spouse Nancy, sons Joe (Carol), John (Jenny); daughters Carol (Joe), Nellie; and grandchildren Jessica (Jerimie), Sean, Brian, Jason, Angela (Karie), Lindsay (Andrew), Kevin (Kayla), Grace, Billy, Elisha, Joshua; and great grandchildren Ava, JJ, Alexis, Max, Dane, Julie, George, Madigan, Abruhm, Gentry, Berkley, and Jocelyn.

Frank's ability to connect with people on a personal level was remarkable. He always made others feel better about themselves after an interaction with him.

Frank dedicated his life to helping first generation college students, those less fortunate, or those in devalued categories. From two years as an Army Medic, to organizing and participating in civil rights marches with an admired professor, Frank went on to receive his PhD in Sociology at the University of Minnesota, Frank pursued a better understanding of social interactions. For many years he taught and served as an administrator at both the University of Denver and the University of Akron, always championing the needs of staff, students, and faculty. Frank published several books, many articles, and delivered presentations at conferences right up until his death. He may have slowed down, but he never retired; the work he did was his life's passion.

Frank's greatest love outside of academia was sailing. He was most comfortable captaining one of several sailboats he owned over the years and showing riders how to tie knots, hoist the sails, avoid the boom, and tack appropriately to go with or against the wind. As with so many things, Frank loved to share his knowledge and love of sailing.

Truly his greatest love was being husband, best friend, co-author, and confidant to his spouse Nancy. He was an only child and never had children, by choice, in his first marriage, but he always loved his aunts, uncles, and cousins, and cherished the family he welcomed and nurtured with Nancy. Frank leveraged his ability and love of supporting others in building the most wonderful relationships with his daughters, sons, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and his friends. We are grateful for his life lessons, love, and unconditional support. He will truly be missed by all who knew him.

Celebration of Life will be held June 3, 2023 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Fritz Knobel Events-Joy Burns Center, 2044 E. Evans Ave., Denver, CO 80208, Suite 204 (See map) In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to National Jewish Health, Gifted Development Center of Westminster, or the National Lung Association in Frank's name.

Parking information: ($2.00 per hour) (University Blvd. is to the east)

Enter Lot E by proceeding south on High Street from Evans Ave. Take an immediate left into the driveway leading to the garage. As you enter the garage, please veer right. Park and enter the information (license plate number) as directed on the Kiosk Walk SE from the garage to the Joy Burns Center (building with red & gold dome) The entrance is on the east side of the building.