Samuel I. Frank

Samuel I. Frank Westford, spent summers in Wellfleet; 75 Westford Mr. Samuel I. Frank, age 75, of Westford, died on September 15th, 2007 at Emerson Hospital in Concord, surrounded by family, friends and the music that he loved. Sam died after a brief illness and after the rare second blooming of his well-tended beach roses. He was the beloved husband of Carole Ann (Dodge) Frank, with whom he would have shared a 47th anniversary on September 17th. Sam is remembered for nearly half a century of civic contribution in Westford, where he helped lead the town through a period of dramatic change. He served on the Master Plan, Finance and School Committees. At his death, Sam was a Library Trustee and a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals. Recently he had turned his attention to developing guidelines for cell towers and sufficient good-quality affordable housing. In all his public endeavor, Sam devoted himself to creating a fine community for every citizen, to fair and honest government, and to real peace and justice. He really did recycle. Above all, Sam is remembered for his manner of being, which moved everyone who encountered him. The day presented itself to Sam as the chance to love. Giving was not a special activity reserved for Sundays and sick neighbors. For Sam, giving was as natural and as elemental and as constant as breathing. Love was Sam's metabolism, his understanding of what life was for. Children loved Sam and asked him to come out to play; he used a lot of vinegar building excellent rockets. He relished limericks, puns and Edward Gorey. He delighted in a good joke, though no one told a joke more ineptly. He loved Mozart, "Candide," and Kurt Weil. He gave to every street musician he met and was a demon whistler. Sam never said "no" to Patti Cooke's peach pie, made a mean chicken cacciatore, and his skill with an oyster knife was legendary. Sam spent summers in Wellfleet, where he oystered, read, and gardened - and, as always, gave of himself. His summer community will remember Sam for the many informational forums he organized and led, for his commitment to downtown revitalization, and to affordable housing there. Just three weeks ago, he presented a comprehensive financial analysis of the Town to an audience of eighty. When Sam died he was completing the second of three books on booklet pane stamps, the subject through which he illuminated and shared the history of our country. "Grandpa Sam" will be missed by "Other Sam," who shared his love of the Red Sox, by his adoring children Michael and Lisa, who are proud to carry his legacy, and by his wife Carole. FRANK Samuel I., age 75. There will be no calling hours. A Celebration of Sam's life will be held at 11:00 am on Friday Sept. 21st at the First Parish Church United, 48 Main St., Westford Center. Memorial contributions in his memory may be made to the Benefactors' Fund of the J.V. Fletcher Library-50 Main St., Westford, MA 01886. FUNERAL DIRECTOR JA HEALY SONS-WESTFORD