February 19, 1927 – January 22, 2026
Mr. Thomas J. Frank Sr., age 98, passed away Thursday morning, January 22, 2026, at home surrounded by his family, following a short illness.
Born February 19, 1927, in Salamanca, NY, he was the son of the late William & Edna Emborsky Frank. He was married to the former Irene DeBoy, who predeceased him in 2015.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving during WWII. He served as a Seabee and Ship Cook on the islands of Saipan, Juno, Japan, and Guam in the Pacific Theatre. He earned the American Theatre Medal, Victory Medal, and Asiatic Pacific Medal.
Mr. Frank was employed as an Engineer on the CSX Railroad in Salamanca, NY prior to his retirement. He was a member of the Brotherhood of Local Engineers Local #35.
He was a member of St. Patrick’s Church, the Veterans of foreign Wars John F. Ahrens Post #5296, American Legion Hughes-Skiba Post #535, Holy Cross Athletic Club, and Elkdale Country Club.
Surviving are: two sons, Thomas J. Frank, Salamanca, NY, Timothy (Karen) Frank, Leland, NC; eight grandchildren, Terry (Robert) Latehaw, Lamoine, ME, Sheila (Jim) Frank, Hancock, ME, Christine (John) Wells, Hancock, ME, Bambi & Pete, Julia (Myron) Wilson, Salamanca, NY, Joy (Donald) McClure, Salamanca, NY, Timothy (Sue) Frank Jr., Copperas Cove, TX, Kristie (Brad) Davis, Apex, NC; 17 great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Barbara (Ron) Tedquist, Bemus Point, NY; several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by a son, James Frank, four sisters, Marion Frank, Joanne Phillips, Irene Grodecki, Richard Frank, and Janice Dry, and two brothers, Kenneth Frank and William Frank.
Memorial visitation will be held at the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, NY on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, from 1 – 3 p.m., followed by a memorial service with Deacon Michael Anderson officiating.
Full military honors will be conducted by members of the American Legion Hughes-Skiba Post 535 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars John F. Ahrens Post 5296.
Entombment in Calvary Cemetery, Salamanca, NY.
In lieu of flowers, family suggest donations to Olean Homecare and Hospice, 115 E. Main St. Olean, NY 14760
E-condolences can be sent to orourke.orourkefh@gmail.com or facebook.com/onofh
