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Posted at:
10/8/2007 7:54:40 PM |
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By:
Kathleen Kimball Nahigian |
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Email
Address:
kwitch917@comcast.net |
My
condolences to the Frank family and all of Mr. Frank's
students who so loved and respected him. A kinder and more
beloved teacher cannot be found. He challenged us not only to
use our minds, but opened a world of possibilities and
aspirations previously unthought-of. A unique and most beloved
mentor to many who will be sorely missed. God Bless You
Freeman Frank. Heaven is certainly a better place now.
If anyone knows of a compilation of his writings, I too would
be interested in reading and owning a copy.
Sincerest sympathy to the Freeman family
Kathy Kimball Nahigian |
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Posted at:
10/8/2007 3:57:23 PM |
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By:
Robert Lewis |
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Email
Address:
hockeykids4@aol.com |
My
experiences at MHS with Mr. Frank certainly were memorable.
His energy and desire to teach young students can not be
replaced. I am proud to have known Freeman, be it only 4 years
at MHS. I, any many others will not forget Freeman Frank and
and hard work he contributed for the students of MHS.
Thank you Mr. Frank.
Class of 75 |
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Posted at:
10/8/2007 1:45:44 PM |
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By:
Bob Gordon |
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Email
Address:
rbgordon46@yahoo.com |
I've
forgotten many of the teachers I had at MHS almost 50 years
ago, but Mr. Frank was certainly not one of them. He was a
one-of-a-kind original who made you think about possibilities.
He made a difference in my life, and I am sure I was just one
of hundreds if not thousands for whom he was a positive
influence.
I am sad for his wife and family - my heart goes out to them.
Bob Gordon, Class of 64
Oakland, California |
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Posted at:
10/8/2007 12:30:00 AM |
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By:
Steve Murphy |
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Email
Address:
Murph974@comcast.net |
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I had Mr
Frank in the 1990-1991 academic year. I had A block history
with him. Every morning almost without fail MR Frank would say
the following phrase let us go, you and I, where the morning
is spread out against the sky... then he would begin teaching.
Always remembered that MR Frank!! god bless |
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Posted at:
10/7/2007 11:40:32 PM |
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By:
Janice Mirabassi |
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Email
Address: jma23@rcn.com |
Thank you,
Freeman, for helping us to understand why the jury system in
the United States SHOULD be significantly changed...and for
helping so many students learn to speak publicly with clarity
and poise. From one of your many Second Affirmatives -
Janice |
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Posted at:
10/7/2007 9:28:45 PM |
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By: JR
Smith |
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Email Address:
jrsmith2@triad.rr.com |
I talked to
Freeman many times on the phone about the New England District 1
Tournament. He was a gentleman and always helpful with
information. We will miss him, his friends, his students, and
checker players. I realize he touched many lives and positively
influenced many a student from reading the guestbook. We all
should strive to be better and be remembered as he is. God Bless
you Freeman Frank, and my deepest sympathy to all who knew you and
your family. He left so many with only fond memories.
JR Smith - NCCA secretary |
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Posted at:
10/7/2007 6:08:54 PM |
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By:
Kenneth M. Diesenhof |
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Email Address:
streetlawyer2@yahoo.com |
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Freeman Frank was
one of those special people who fight for justice for all just
because it was the right thing to do. He will be missed. |
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Posted at:
10/6/2007 7:13:32 PM |
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By: Dave
Jones |
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Email Address:
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I was very sorry
to hear of the passing or Mr. Frank. I too had him as a teacher
and it was through his style of teaching and storytelling that I
have been pursuing my degree to teach High School History. He
helped me to love the past and gave me the desire to share this
with others. If I can be half the teacher that he was, I will have
accomplished a great thing!
Dave Jones MHS Class of 81 |
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Posted at:
10/6/2007 1:49:47 PM |
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By: Kathy
Russo Simon |
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Email Address:
krsimon11@comcast.net |
Adam,
I was so sorry to hear about your Dad. You look so much like the
picture of him! May the wonderful memories of his great life help
ease your pain.
Thinking of you,
Kathy
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Posted at:
10/6/2007 1:37:52 PM |
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By:
Clayton Scoble |
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Email Address:
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To the Frank
family- my sympathy, thoughts, and love.
Clayton |
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Posted at:
10/6/2007 12:54:14 PM |
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By:
Christopher Kim |
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Email Address:
chrisjkim@comcast.net |
Funny how your
memories persist with snipits of happenings in your life. I
clicked open my email and saw 'Freeman T Frank' in the subject
line. My mind was already processing....'could this be the same
person who was my teacher way back in high school..?'
We all wrote a history report and Mr. Frank singled out my opening
line of my report: He astonished the world. (It was about some
Roman Caesar.) Mr. Frank used my opening sentence as a paragon of
good writing style. How flattering because I was just an
unconscious freshman student.
I recall one of his favorite teaching positions was to sit on one
of the front row student desks with one leg curled up, his other
foot barely reaching the floor to keep him upright. When he wanted
to make a point or muse about a topic, he'd look up at the
ceiling.
Funny how my memories can look back over 4 decades and remember
Mr. Frank.
He astonished the world in his own way. Best wishes to Mr. Frank
and family. |
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Posted at:
10/6/2007 10:05:16 AM |
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By: JoAnn
(Harding) Somerville |
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Email Address:
somervillejoann@hotmail.com |
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Without question,
Mr. Frank was one of the two most memorable teachers I had the
pleasure of learning from. I loved his sense of humor and his
grin. A loss to the educational system for sure. |
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Posted at:
10/6/2007 5:51:36 AM |
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By: Tim
Averill |
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Email Address:
timaverill@comcast.net |
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I just wanted to
add that on the day of Freeman's funeral, Waring School in Beverly
will be hosting the Freeman Frank Memorial Debate Tournament in
Beverly MA. May his family feel the love that Freeman gave to so
many of his students, colleagues, friends, and family. |
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Posted at:
10/5/2007 9:44:22 PM |
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By: Dave
Boyd |
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Email Address:
dboyd5@rochester.rr.com |
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Mr. Frank was my
civics teacher in high school. What I learned from him, quite
aside from his passion for Daniel Webster, served me well. When I
took his class I was not even a U.S. citizen, but his lessons
taught me what I would need years later to pass the citizenship
test. I even learned the art of debate from him, though I was not
a member of his debate club, his lessons in presenting rational
and reasoned arguments stay with me to this day. Mr. Frank was a
great influence on our class of 1967. Ever since, each time I saw
the name or picture of Daniel Webster, I remembered Mr. Frank. |
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Posted at:
10/5/2007 6:32:47 PM |
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By: Ted
Kim |
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Email Address:
kim.ted@verizon.net |
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Some people we
never forget, i.e., those that have impacted our lives in a
significant way. I haven't heard or seen the name Freeman T. Frank
since I graduated from Melrose High in '65. But, I immediately
remembered the name when an email arrived with his name in the
subject line. He was a wonderful, memorable teacher who always
held my attention in High School. May our Lord bless him
eternally. |
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Posted at:
10/5/2007 5:58:42 PM |
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By: Joel
Palmer |
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Email Address:
joelpalmer@verizon.net |
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Freeman Frank was
one in a great line of history teachers and department heads at
MHS including A Imrie Dixon and Richard Hildeth Sr. He was able to
translate his love of learning to his students and was mentor and
advisor to hundreds over the years. Melrose was lucky indeed to
have Mr. Frank and his students fortunate to have him as a
teacher. Well Done! Rest in Peace |
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Posted at:
10/5/2007 4:25:36 PM |
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By: ray
savage |
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Email Address:
helenray@netscape.com |
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I REMEMBER
WELLTHE DAYS WE SHARED AT ELHS [CLASS OF 47]. MAY YOU GO WELL INTO
YHE NEXT GREAT ADVENTURE. |
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Posted at:
10/5/2007 3:45:31 PM |
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By: Joanne
Carley (DeBenedictis) |
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Email Address:
gntlbreez5@sbcglobal.net |
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I am so sorry to
hear of Mr Frank's passing. He was a teacher and mentor. There is
always one teacher that sticks in your mind and heart and Mr Frank
was that teacher for me. (Class of '67). He will be missed by one
and all. |
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Posted at:
10/5/2007 2:58:37 PM |
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By: Paul &
Liz Brodeur |
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Email Address:
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Dear Sally &
Family -
We were greatly saddened to learn of Freeman's passing. We have
always had the greatest respect for Freeman's principled
commitment to liberal Democratic ideals and his unmatched ability
to tell a story. He will be missed. |
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Posted at:
10/5/2007 2:51:40 PM |
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By:
Heather |
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Email Address:
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Ad and Cal,
Heartfelt sympathy to you and your entire family. |
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Posted at:
10/5/2007 1:05:40 PM |
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By: Robin
Dolan Montesano |
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Email Address:
dolfamily@aol.com |
My sympathies to
Sally and family. I have fond memories of Freeman from past years
at the Melrose Democratic Comm. meetings.
Sincerely,
Robin |
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Posted at:
10/5/2007 11:53:03 AM |
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By: Rock |
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Email Address:
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Ad -
Our condolences to you and your family.
Rock |
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Posted at:
10/5/2007 9:20:29 AM |
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By:
Kenneth & Louise Chicoine |
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Email Address:
louise_chicoine@juno.com |
Sally,
Our deepest sympathies are with you and yours........
Ken & Lou |
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Posted at:
10/5/2007 5:50:46 AM |
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By: Ben
Pease |
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Email Address:
Benpease@aol.com |
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Mr. Frank was a
man whose words and actions always came from his heart. This fact
made him a memorable teacher, moderator, husband and advocate for
social justice. May the Lord bless and keep you Mr. Frank! |
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Posted at:
10/4/2007 10:55:14 PM |
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By: Gail
Russell Chaddock |
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Email Address:
chaddockg@csmonitor.com |
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Getting to ride
next to Freeman Frank in the van on the way home from a debate
tournament was about as good as life got. You could count on
stories, songs, and, if you were lucky, the Cross of Gold
speech...all of it. He taught us to love words and great, soaring
aspirations. I still sing his songs when I'm driving late at night
and wonder when I'll ever get home. (How many vans did Freeman
drive into the ground so that his students could grow?) It's a
cliche to say that great teachers live on in their students, as
well as their family, but he certainly does. If it's ever possible
to collect his writings, I'd love to see them. Thanks to his
family for giving us a chance to share thoughts about him -- and
for giving him up all those weekends. |
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Posted at:
10/4/2007 8:28:13 PM |
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By:
Catherine F White |
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Email Address:
cfwhite@comcast.net |
Dear Sally, Ad,
and Calvin-
Freeman will be sorely missed by all members of the checkers
community, and their family. He was inspirational to so many
players, including my husband, Richard. Whenever I meet someone
who grew up in Melrose I ask whether they knew him. They happily
and excitedly tell me about their favorite teacher.
I will always remember him.
-Catherine Friend White |
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Posted at:
10/4/2007 8:01:50 PM |
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By: Declan
& Stephanie Buckley |
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Email Address:
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Ad, Cal and
family
We are saddened to hear of your fathers passing. Just from reading
this short obituary you can tell he was a special person. You are
in our thoughts
love dec & steph
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Posted at:
10/4/2007 6:22:57 PM |
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By: Ira
Burnim |
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Email Address:
irab@bazelon.org |
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So sorry to learn
of Freeman's death. He helped so many kids and touched so many
lives. I think of him often, and especially of the friendship and
support he so generously bestowed on me and others in Sally's and
his extended family of Melrose High debaters. So much of who I am
today is Freeman's doing. He nurtured us intellectually, imparted
important life lessons, and worked hard to give us opportunity. I
am so grateful to him, as are the many others whom he helped
launch into adulthood. We admire and love him, and we will sorely
miss him. |
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Posted at:
10/4/2007 3:14:19 PM |
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By: Jackie
Emanuel & Geri Wensing |
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Email Address:
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We are so sorry
to hear of Mr. Frank's passing. He was our homeroom teacher in the
70's at Melrose High School. We'll always remember homeroom in the
Pit. Our thoughts and prayers to his family. |
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Posted at:
10/4/2007 2:55:01 PM |
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By: Brenda
Frank Charrier |
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Email Address:
brynmir@comcast.net |
Love and
condolences to Aunt Sally, Cal and Adam, Jeneva, Cameron, and
Rayna, Aunt Jo, Aunt Sally Belisle, and Uncle Royal…
Dear Uncle Freeman,
The last time I saw you, at the family reunion at your house a
couple of years ago, you were in great form. I am so sorry that
the terrible weather this past St. Patrick’s Day prevented you
from making it to Tom’s homecoming celebration—it would have been
great to see you there. You would have enjoyed it. Memories flood
my mind…Bits and pieces of hours spent with you, my father, and
the myriad of vibrant uncles, aunts, cousins, and others (most
from Maine, all of them colorful)…I remember Grampa’s story about
delivering you feet-first (which he was qualified to do because he
had once delivered a breech calf)… I see you hunched over a small
table with Grampa Thurston, a checkerboard between you. (This is
my only memory of Great-Grampa Thurston)… I hear you belting out
“Bill Bailey Won’t You Please Come Home” and “McNamara’s Band” at
Grampa’s after an afternoon of merriment (and one or two beers)
with your brothers … I remember the long drive from Dorchester
with my parents to visit you and beautiful Aunt Sally in Kingston
(“the Country” because there were no sidewalks) before you moved
to Melrose… I liked your anecdotes about various historical
figures and events, and disliked the affected drone of William F.
Buckley (on Channel 2 Sunday afternoons.) I was mystified that
someone sooo boring could entertain you and my father…
CONTINUED BELOW
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Posted at:
10/4/2007 2:54:05 PM |
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By: Brenda
Frank Charrier |
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Email Address:
brynmir@comcast.net |
CONTINUED FROM
ABOVE
I remember riding to Maine in a black car that used to be yours,
but it broke down on the Turnpike, and sat forever more behind
Grampa and Grammy’s house (filled with animal feed, I think)… I
remember the spirited kids (members of the Melrose High Varsity
Debate Club) you drove all over New England to debate tournaments.
When I was 14 or so, I immensely enjoyed joining you on some of
those trips, and I loved staying with you and Aunt Sally… After
Uncle Timmy’s funeral, on the ride back to Grampa’s house, you
softly sang, “Where have you gone, my little one, little one,
where have you gone…?” We were crying… Finally, there’s the story
you told Sara and me (I was seven, Sara, five) about two
sisters--one of them very good (me), and the other very naughty
(Sara). One day in the forest, they stumbled upon a giant castle
made entirely of delicious frosted cake and every sort of
mouth-watering candy, and mounds of yummy whipped cream. They were
ordered not to touch any of it. The good sister didn’t eat as much
as a crumb, even though she was very hungry. The naughty sister
filled her pockets and stuffed her face with all the candy, cake
and frosting she could grab. Eventually the Witch who owned the
castle showed up, very irate--and a terrible thing happened ...She
gobbled up the good sister, and let the naughty one eat all the
candy she wanted, forever and ever. Very funny, dear Uncle. This
one aside, I love your stories, Uncle Freeman—those you’ve written
and those you’ve lived. Thank you for all of them. That’s it, I
guess. I am so sad that I will not see you again. I will miss you!
Love always—Brenda
(Your first niece and the first-born daughter of your oldest
brother Hal)
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Posted at:
10/4/2007 12:19:50 PM |
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By: Tim
Averill |
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Email Address:
timaverill@comcast.net |
Freeman Frank was
a legendary and supportive debate coach. When I started teaching
in Massachusetts in 1971, Freeman was my mentor, the guru of
debate in New England. He nurtured my program and that of many
other young coaches. I will never forget the joy of attending
tournaments that Freeman ran at Melrose HS. He made sure all the
trophies were engraved First Place because he appreciated the
efforts of all the debaters. Freeman took joy in the activity of
speech and debate and was always a gentleman and an honest
advocate. My life has been much richer because of his guidance and
influence.
Thanks to Freeman, I am still coaching debate at Manchester and at
Waring School in beverly. |
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Posted at:
10/4/2007 11:40:59 AM |
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By:
Jonathan Pape |
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Email Address:
jonathanpape@gmail.com |
I would like to
offer my condolences to the entire Frank family; you are in my
thoughts and in my prayers.
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Posted at:
10/4/2007 10:17:44 AM |
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By: Robin
Frank Myers |
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Email Address:
robinsmyers@yahoo.com |
Our thoughts are
with you. Uncle Freeman will be truly missed.
Robin, Matt, Jan, Steve and Linda |
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Posted at:
10/4/2007 9:39:02 AM |
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By:
Charles R. McNamara |
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Email Address:
wpoms1691@aol.com |
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I am saddened to
hear of the passing of one of my favorite teachers at Melrose
High. Mr. Frank's talents and wisdom as a teacher, a coach, and an
advisor had a very positive and influential impact on my life. |
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Posted at:
10/4/2007 8:51:15 AM |
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By:
Richard White |
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Email Address:
whitefork@comcast.net |
I was very
saddened to hear of Freeman's death. Deepest sympathy to Sally,
Ad, Calvin and the rest of the family.
I'll miss him terribly. |
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Posted at:
10/4/2007 8:18:58 AM |
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By: Paula
Taylor |
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Email Address:
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Not a year goes
by that i do not think of Mr. Frank. Especially when the subject
of History comes up, whether it was helping my children or
grandchildren. Why? well I was more of a math and science student
and I really detested History after failing a few test he came to
me and said he knew I was a great student in the other subjects
and history was keeping me from high honors. He studied with me
until I could get at least a C, then a B I could not remember one
date from another. He was so passionate about the subject I could
not let him down. At the time I kept thinking who cares this stuff
all ready happened now it is about the future. Well as the years
go by I have grown to like the subject and smile every time I
think of him. |
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Posted at:
10/4/2007 7:18:11 AM |
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By: E.
Wesley Miller |
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Email Address:
wes.miller@gmail.com |
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I am so glad we
got in touch over the past few years. Freeman meant a lot to me in
high school days. He will be greatly missed. |
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Posted at:
10/4/2007 2:21:13 AM |
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By: Thomas
W Frank |
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Email Address:
twfmd@elp.rr.com |
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It was with a
heavy heart that I learned today of the death of my Uncle Freeman
– my father’s younger brother. I have many fond memories of his
wonderful stories as well as his contagious passion for poetry and
history. I send my heartfelt condolences to my cousins Calvin and
Adam and to my dear Aunt Sally. I wish I could be with you all in
body - but will be so in thought. |
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Posted at:
10/4/2007 2:14:00 AM |
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By: Thomas
W Frank |
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Email Address:
twfmd@elp.rr.com |
It was with a
heavy heart that I learned today of the death of my Uncle Freeman
– my father’s younger brother. I have many fond recollections of
my Uncle and the wonderful hilltop home in Melrose to which he is
forever linked in my memory. I picture him in his study… walls
festooned with colorful politically incorrect propaganda posters
of the Second World War, organized chaos on his desk… and books.
Lots of books. I remember many weekend visits there… sitting as an
observer at the long dining room table… while the beer flowed with
the conversation – in eddies, torrents and waves, welling-up,
ebbing and retreating…. The topics of discussion were, I am sure,
not the fare of many other Melrose tables. It was more akin to a
meeting of 19th century Boston’s “Saturday Club” than a typical
reunion of brothers in a 20th century suburb. Neither the Red Sox
nor the Patriots….ever came up that I can recall. Of what moment
after all was a ball game… when there were the merits and failings
of long dead presidents to discuss, poetry to recite and issues of
history to debate. There was passion at that table. Passion,
Poetry, Politics…. and great rivers of beer. A festival of
erudition and wit. I regret now that I did not have more time with
him. I always planned to visit. A more modern bard said that “Life
is what happens when you are busy making other plans…” and
unfortunately…. Death happens too. But I knew my dear Uncle long
enough, and well enough to have loved him. And I already miss him.
I send my love and condolences to my cousins Calvin and Adam… and
to my dear Aunt Sally. I wish I could be with you on Saturday –
but I will be there in spirit and in thought.
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Posted at:
10/4/2007 1:10:06 AM |
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By: Dennis
MacDonald |
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Email Address:
decibeld@rcn.com |
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Whenever I popped
by Uncle Freeman's house on an unannounced visit, I knew I'd have
to set aside a few hours as a short visit would not suffice. While
reading his short stories about life in Hacketts Mills, Maine, was
captivating, listening to him tell the stories was vastly more
entertaining. He was a natural raconteur and loved an audience,
even if it was just one nephew. |
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Posted at:
10/4/2007 12:00:50 AM |
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By: Jen
Kettering Norton |
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Email Address:
newjen2003@yahoo.com |
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My deepest
sympathies to the Frank family. You'll be in my thoughts. |
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Posted at:
10/3/2007 9:35:47 PM |
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By: Kathy
Graham |
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Email Address:
MsKath49@hotmail.com |
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My condolences to
the FRank family i myself was a student of freeman frank.. he will
be missed by all who knew him.. take care and god blesss |
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Posted at:
10/3/2007 9:08:12 PM |
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By: john
pressey & family |
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Email Address:
pes6039@aol.com |
Royal Frank
called Me today to let know
of Freeman's passing. He will be sorely
missed. I am so pleased to have been able to attend the family
reunion at
Freeman & Sally's house. |
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Posted at:
10/3/2007 7:47:14 PM |
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By: Paula
Kelley |
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Email Address:
pak@paulakelley.com |
I am so sorry to
hear of Freeman's passing. My thoughts are with Ad, Cal, Sally,
and the rest of the family.
With sympathy,
Paula
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Posted at:
10/3/2007 6:53:06 PM |
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By: Donna
Lee |
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Email Address:
dgordon9@maine.rr.com |
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Sally, Calvin,
Adam and all the rest of the family know that Jeff and I are
thinking of you at this time. I told Royal that I know that
Freeman, my mother and Aunt Geneva are all together and no one can
get a word in edgewise. Love |
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Posted at:
10/3/2007 5:29:14 PM |
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By: Dan
Pallotta |
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Email Address:
dan@danpallotta.com |
This is the
saddest news I've had in many years. My condolences to all of you.
I just learned of Freeman's passing moments ago. I will write at
greater length later...a better friend and teacher no one ever
had.
Love,
Danny Pallotta |
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Posted at:
10/3/2007 5:01:45 PM |
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By: Sally
Belisle |
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Email Address:
spasabel@yahoo.com |
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Posted at:
10/3/2007 4:58:53 PM |
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By: Bill
Eldringhoff |
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Email Address:
wmeld@yahoo.com |
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Mr. Frank was a
remarkable history teacher and a great storyteller as well. It was
an honor to be one of his students. |
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