Richard Paul Frank

Mr. Richard Paul Frank Mohawk - Mr. Richard Paul Frank, 65, of Warren Road passed away peacefully in the comfort of his own home late Tuesday night, November 10, 2015 surrounded by the love and warmth of his family. He was born in Ilion on January 14, 1950, the son of the late George Rocco and Theresa Marie DiPiazza Frank. He attended Annunciation Parochial School and later attended and graduated from Ilion High School with the class of 1969. While there, he met his soul mate, Barbara Bereza and they later married on November 20, 1971 in Annunciation Church, Ilion. Richard was the proud owner and operator of Frank's Body Repair, which was started by his father, George, in 1938. Together with his sons they also expanded to create Frank's Mohawk Motors. Richard and Thomas continue to carry on the legacy of both family businesses. Richard devotedly worshiped at St. Francis DeSales Church in Herkimer. Some of his favorite pastimes included his love for The Beatles, the New York Yankees, and being a passionate season ticket holder for the Syracuse Men's Basketball Program. Those who knew Rich know how important humor was in his life. He found true joy in making people laugh and was always the life of the party, be it through his jokes, stories, or taking center stage on the dance floor. He was a genuinely selfless man, always putting the needs and wants of others before his own and most importantly he loved his family more than anything else. His love was unwavering, and he took great pride in being a loving husband, father, and Poppie to his cherished grandchildren. Richard is survived by his beloved wife of 44 years, Barbara Frank; two sons, Richard Frank and Thomas Frank both of Mohawk; two daughters and sons in law, Erika and Collin Miller of NH and Ashley and Matthew Simon of MA; two grandchildren, daughters of Richard, Gianna and Kamryn Frank and Baby Miller on the way; a sister and brother in law, Donna and Nicholas Yagey of Whitesboro; his uncle and aunt, Barry and Mary Frank of Amsterdam; his father in law and mother in law, Walter and Shirley Bereza of Herkimer; his in laws, Carol and Joseph Raymond of Richfield Springs, Janet and Robert Yardley of Herkimer, Steven and Diane Bereza of Ilion, William Bereza and his wife, Laurie Holzer of Saranac, and Julie Traglia of Vernon; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, lifelong friends Tom and Bunny Seymour, and numerous other close friends. His funeral will be held Monday morning at 8:30 am from the V.J.Iocovozzi Funeral Home, Inc., 203 Second Ave. Frankfort and at 10:00 in St. Francis DeSales Church, N. Bellinger St. Herkimer where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Very Rev. Mark Cunningham. Interment will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Frankfort. Calling hours will be Sunday 1-4 pm and 6-8 pm at the V.J. Iocovozzi Funeral Home, Inc. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Richard's many caretakers; Dr. Le, Dr. Sikder, Dr. Iyer, the care team at the Slocum Dickson Infusion Room, the Respiratory Therapists and 6th floor Oncology Unit at St. Luke's Hospital, Hospice and Palliative Care, and all other supporting staff and team members that contributed to his care and wellbeing. Donations and contributions in Richard's memory may be made to Amazing Gracie's Gift Foundation PO Box 134 Mohawk, NY 13407 or amazinggraciesgift.org. Expressions of sympathy may be placed on Richard's on line memorial page by going to www.iocovozzifuneralhome.com