Arthur Frank
1933 – 2023
Dr. Arthur Frank passed away on Thursday, March 30, 2023 at his home in Pennington at the age of 90. He was a noted composer and music teacher.
Born on February 22, 1933 in Brooklyn, NY to Gertrude and Hy Frank, he was a graduate of Trenton State College, class of ’54 and was president of the class for three years. He studied percussion at the Julliard School of Music in New York City where he studied with Saul Goodman of the New York Philaharmonic, achieved his Masters degree in Music Composition at The College of New Jersey and his Doctor of Musical Arts Degree at Temple University – the first recipient to receive this degree.
Art began his career as a music teacher and band director at Hamilton West High School. After being inducted into the Army in 1956, he taught at their Band School. His Army Combo won a competition which afforded them a chance to entertain Troops around the world.
He later became choir director at Steinert High School in Hamilton, NJ.
The subject for his Masters thesis was The Oratorio Abraham & Isaac, performed at the dedication of the new Rider College Chapel. He then moved on to Rider University from 1962-1969, serving as an Assistant Professor, Choir Director, Musical Director and conductor of Famed, “Theater 59”, chosen for 2 years by the USO, to package tours to entertain GI’s throughout Europe.
In 1964 he became the First Chair of the Fine Arts department at Rider University. In 1968, while at Rider University he received The Christian Rand Mary F. Lindback Foundation Award for Distinguished Teaching. In 1969 he joined the faculty of the Department of Music Education at Temple University, where he retired as Professor Emeritus after 27 years, teaching over a thousand students.
Throughout his career, Art was Musical Director at the famed Lambertville Music Circus, and Music Director at the Bucks County Playhouse, Trenton Theater in the Park, Bordentown Theater, Foundation Theater at Burlington County Community College, Bristol Riverside Theater and McCarter Theater of Princeton, NJ.
He started his professional performing career at age 14, eventually creating the ever popular “Art Frank Orchestra”, as well as his Dixieland Band Combo.
40 years after teaching at Steinert High School, he was honored with a concert reunion, from which 25 of the original 70 participants came together to perform. For 10 years they performed at numerous nursing homes throughout the Delaware Valley, spreading music to many. They were known as “Mr. Frank’s Kids”.
Art played on a USTA 4.0 Championship Tennis Team, winning for the state of NJ. He was an avid Golfer, winning many championship tournaments at Cobblestone Creek Country Club, formerly Greenacres Country Club. He was a Championship Bridge Player attaining the level of Silver Life Master.
Predeceased by his parents Hy and Gertrude Frank, Art is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Roberta M. Frank, his sons, Mitchell Frank, Bruce Frank (Kimberly Leemaster), Greg Frank (Robin), and his 9 grandchildren: Benjamin Frank (Anna), Andrea Frank, Robert Frank, Leah Frank, Hannah Frank (Logan McBride), Alison Frank (John Edenhofner), Natalie Frank, Matt Frank and David Frank.
Funeral services are 1:00 pm on Sunday, April 2 at Orland’s Ewing Memorial Chapel, 1534 Pennington Road, Ewing, NJ. Burial will follow at Ewing Cemetery, Har Sinai Temple Section.
Memorial contributions may be made to Greenwood House (GreenwoodHouse.org), Har Sinai Temple (HarSinai.org), and the Dr. Arthur Frank and Hy Frank Memorial Scholarship Fund at The College of NJ (give.tcnj.edu/give-now)
For condolences: OrlandsMemorialChapel.com
To Bobbie, Mitchell, Bruce and Greg —
Our deepest sympathies on Art’s passing. He made such beautiful music, especially with my dad, Marshall. They were one fantastic team! May his memory be for a blessing.
With love,
Judy and Richard Gordon
Always the teacher, always the musician, always the inspiration, Art brought joy to countless people during his life. The musicians he worked with and his students, colleagues and friends are lucky to have been in his orbit. Art’s influence will last: he will not be forgotten.
Art brought so much joy into my life for many years. Our kids went to school together in Ewing. Bobbie was always such a gracious, loving companion. I’m recalling many fine memories: when he saw me arrive at a dance at Ahavath Israel, his band swung into my favorite song at the time, “Georgy Girl.” He knew!! And I
was a loyal subscriber to Theatre ’59. I was seated with my little girls in the second row when the theatre in Cadwallader Park burned to the ground! I am so privileged to have known him. Rest in peace, Art, and my sincerest condolences to his beautiful family.
So sorry for the loss of Art. Art epitomized the term : Gentleman and Scholar, more than anyone we know. We will miss him dearly.
Deepest condolences to the entire family. Arthur’s remarkable life left an indelible print on so many people. Living in NY, it’s almost sixty years since my time at Rider, Theater 59 and Theater in the Park. Music 🎶 was part of his gentle soul. RIP😔
It sounds like he certainly lived life to the fullest and his musical talent and teaching brought joy to generations! His legacy will live on in his sons and grandchildren. All our sympathy, Sue & Bob Busch
Art was a leader, cheerleader, and mentor to all of us who served our community. His enthusiasm and sage advice maintained us through the best of times and the struggles we faced. He will be sorely missed by the many whose lives he touched.
Our sympathies to Bobbie and the entire Frank family.
Alice and Howard Welt.
My deepest condolences to Art’s family. As one of his many students as at Temple, I treasure the guidance he gave to me. He was a true gentleman and hopefully I lived up to his high expectations.
No obituary or single written memory could possibly sum up Arthur’s amazing life. Although I am technically a second or third cousin to Arthur, he and Roberta have always treated me as if I were an adopted daughter. Even after I relocated to Chicago, Arthur never stopped calling me, sending me funny notes, pictures and detailed family updates. When attending Frank family Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, Arthur and Roberta graciously hosted me in their home, and I was always treated to an incredible impromptu piano concert!
I was always struck by the love Arthur and Roberta had for each other. One time when Arthur picked me up at the airport in Florida, he made an unscheduled stop at an art fair and spontaneously picked out a lovely necklace for Roberta simply because, it “would look beautiful on her” (and it did!) Their decades-long love affair was so special and inspiring. In fact, Arthur was always thinking of others. Even after his last surgery, he insisted that Mitch call me because he knew I would be waiting to know how he was doing and he did not want me to worry.
Arthur’s life of superlatives impacted so many. Personally, he made a great difference in my life by being such a warm and caring individual whom I could always count on. While I will miss our wonderful conversations and am very sad that I cannot continue to cherish Arthur on this earth, I know that his friendship and love will continue to uplift me.
Cousin Marlene