Thomas J. Frank Sr.

SALAMANCA — Mr. Thomas J. Frank Sr., age 98, passed away Thursday morning (Jan. 22, 2026) at home, surrounded by his family, following a short illness.

Born Feb. 19, 1927, in Salamanca, he was the son of the late William and 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’s 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 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 of Salamanca and Timothy (Karen) Frank of Leland, N.C.; eight grandchildren, Terry (Robert) Latehaw of Lamoine, Maine, Sheila (Jim) Frank of Hancock, Maine, Christine (John) Wells of Hancock, Bambi and Pete, Julia (Myron) Wilson of Salamanca, Joy (Donald) McClure of Salamanca, Timothy (Sue) Frank Jr. of Copperas Cove, Texas and Kristie (Brad) Davis of Apex, N.C.; 17 great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Barbara (Ron) Tedquist of Bemus Point; and 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 from 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesday (Jan. 27, 2026) at the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River St., Salamanca, 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.

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.