Eugene “Gene” Francis Frink
Hobe Sound, FL – Eugene “Gene” Francis Frink passed away in his sleep at his home in Hobe Sound FL on the morning of November 22, 2015. Gene was born on May 20, 1922 in Poughkeepsie NY to Edith and Ralph Frink. Gene attended a one room elementary school and graduated from Pawling HS in 1939. He played baseball and was a champion cross country runner. He was an adventurous and enterprising young man, he always found work, even in the depression. He worked construction, got his seaman’s papers while still a teenager and sailed tankers along the Florida coast, while German U Boats were a danger. When WWII broke out, Gene joined the Army Air Core and became a B24 Pilot. He was stationed in Manduria Italy with the 15th Air Force. He flew 44 missions including 5 to the Ploiesti Oil fields before he was shot down over Austria on June 26, 1944. He was a POW at Stalag Luft 3 and took part in the forced march in January to Stalag 7A in Moosburg Germany. He was liberated by Patton’s Army in May, 1945. Gene was a recipient of the Purple Heart.
After the war, Gene attended Siena College and Albany Law school. He married Madeline Lee in 1948. They raised their 4 children in Pawling NY where he practiced law for over 40 years. Gene also was the assistant DA for Duchess County. Gene never lost his love for flying and owned several small planes. He loved hunting, fishing, hiking and canoe trips. He was passionate about golf and belonged to several clubs over the years, including Quaker Hill in Pawling NY, Morefar GC in Brewster NY, Knowlwood CC in Westchester NY, Tequesta CC and Mariner Sands CC in South FL.
In 1986, Gene married the love of his wife, Barbara O’Donnell. After retirement, they moved to Florida where they enjoyed 29 wonderful years together; traveling, playing golf, tennis, fine dining and dancing. For 17 years they spent glorious summers on Peabody Pond in Sebago, Maine.
He is survived by his adoring wife Barbara, his daughter April, sons Christopher, Jay (Leah), and Kelly as well as his granddaughters Jennifer and Alyson, and great grandson Maddox. Gene had impeccable style, a quick wit, was a true Patriot and was loved by many.
There will be no services but donations may be sent to the Wounded Warriors Project in his name.
