Grace Frank

Grace Frank (née LaBella) passed away peacefully at the age of 87. She was born in New York City on August 3, 1937, the daughter of Marco & Henrietta LaBella (née Maffia).

Following her wedding to Edwin Frank in 1965, Grace left the big city to start a life in Holbrook, NY, settling into one of the very first new houses in the area well beyond the end of the Long Island Expressway at the time. A devoted mother, Grace lovingly raised her three children, Janet, Bill and Buddy in that home where they would rise almost every Sunday morning to the mouthwatering smell of frying meatballs and fresh sauce. Despite life’s challenges, Grace worked hard and humbly to care for those she loved, buoyed by her stoic determination and strong Catholic faith.

Despite not having gone to college, Grace was a strong proponent of higher education and was proud beyond measure that her three children all earned college degrees. Grace herself enjoyed college life having worked at Stony Brook University in the Student Affairs Office for 25 years. It was one of her greatest joys to interact with the students over so many years.

A voracious reader and crossword puzzler, Grace was also adept at a number of creative pursuits over the years including sewing, knitting, ceramics and crafts. She also loved to play Mah Jongg and passed both her love of the game and cherished set to her daughter.

Later in life, Grace enjoyed traveling whether with friends on local day trips or longer adventures including Iceland, Paris and London. A cherished memory includes a trip to Italy with extended family where she was also able to visit the little village that was the birthplace of her grandparents.

Grace was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and sister. Grace is survived by her son William Frank and daughter Janet (Kevin) Morley; her grandchildren Connor Morley, Natalie Morley and Jillian Morley; and also her sisters, Theresa (Angelo) Capuozzo and Marie (Joe) Livoti. Along with her parents, Grace was predeceased by her husband Edwin Frank, son Edwin (Buddy) Frank, Jr., and her brothers Marco LaBella Jr. and Peter LaBe