George Andrew "Old Man Poppy; Pop; Big George; Dad" Frank

Born on October 12, 1924 in Baltimore, Maryland
Passed on February 14, 2026 in Melbourne, Florida

On October 12, 1924, Columbus Day, in Baltimore, Maryland, a 15 lbs. baby boy, George Andrew Frank, was born. George was raised during the depression by his parents, Mike and Francis, who were second generation immigrants from Bohemia, Czechoslovakia, and Poland. To assist his family during the 1930s depression, George worked in a bakery and then as a plumber's assistant. He installed in his home the first indoor bathroom on his street. At the age of 19 he joined the USMC on March 1, 1943 to fight the Axis powers in Europe. He served as a sea going marine on the light cruiser, USS Brooklyn, and saw action during two tours of Italy. Several interesting stories that he enjoyed telling was shoveling ash from the eruption of Mt Vesuvius from the deck of his ship and his guard duty of General Patton. George was discharged from the Marine Corps on Oct 26, 1945 as a corporal.

On November 17, 1946 he married the love of his life, Margaret Hedderman, in Middle River, Baltimore County, Maryland. They had three children; George Michael, Sandra Roxanne, and Michael Keith. He joined the Baltimore County police department in 1950 and retired after 25 distinguished years as a lieutenant. During his service in the police department, he received his GED and attended evening courses at Towson State College for 8 years. He graduated in 1971 with a B.S. degree in teaching.

In 2004, George and his wife moved to the Villages in Florida. His wife died on her favorite holiday, Halloween on October 31, 2008. George lived by himself for the next 13 years until he moved in with his son, George, and his wife, Barbara, in April 2021 in Melbourne Beach, Florida. In December 2023, he moved into the assisted living facility, Volante of Melbourne.

George also known by those who loved him as Old Man Poppy, Pop, Big George, or just Dad died on February 14, Valentine's Day. He is survived by his three children; George Michael Frank, Sandra Mayo, and Michael Frank, eleven grandchildren, and 15 great grandchildren.

George was a Marine, through and through, and his determination, perseverance, and hard work are still reflected in his family. Dad was loved as he loved. We miss you.

His memorial service will be Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 2:00 pm at Brownlie Maxwell Funeral Home, 1010 Palmetto Avenue, Melbourne.