POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. – Walter Gerhart Frank, a longtime Poughkeepsie resident, died Saturday, March 12, at home in Spring, Texas.
He graduated from Arlington High School in 1947 and received an associate degree from Sampson College in Hobart in 1949, before he returned to Poughkeepsie to work at Frank Brothers Farms as a dairy farmer and cattle dealer. Until his retirement in 1987 to Sarasota, Fla., and then to Spring, Texas, to be near his children, he co-owned and operated Frank Brothers Farms with the other members of the Frank family for many years. He conducted his business not only in Dutchess County but throughout the Hudson Valley.
He was active in local Republican Party politics and he was elected to serve as the councilman for the 3rd Ward of the town of Poughkeepsie for several terms. He also served as a member of the town’s Board of Assessment Review for many years. When not working or serving his community, he enjoyed traveling the world with his wife of 62 years, Joyce, and his children.
He is survived by his sons, David, and his wife, Debbi, and Richard, and his wife, Sarah; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his parents, Henry Frank and Frida Minkle; his wife, Joyce; his brother, Henry Jr.; and his son, Douglas.
Entombment will take place Saturday, March 19, at noon at Poughkeepsie Rural Community Mausoleum.
The family asks that those who wish to honor his memory consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation in lieu of flowers.
Arrangements are under the direction of Parmele, Auchmoody & Schoonmaker Funeral Home, 110 Fulton Ave., Poughkeepsie.
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