Obituary of Vincent J. Frank

CARTHAGE – Vincent J. “Vinnie” Frank, 83, died on Saturday, May 12, 2018 at Country Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. 

Vincent was born on July 19, 1934 in Carthage, New York, a son of the late Nazzaranio and Anna (Sylvester) Frank.  He graduated from Carthage High School in 1952.  On May 31, 1958, he married Joan Teepell at St. James Catholic Church in Carthage.  In June of 1952, Vinnie enlisted in the United States Air Force.  With the dream of being a Police Officer, he spent four years as a policeman in the Air Force before joining the Carthage Village Police Department on February 15, 1965 as the youngest man on the force.  He worked as a patrolman for the village for seven years.  On October 14, 1971 he was promoted to Sergeant.  After serving as Sergeant for six months, he was promoted to Police Chief on April 9, 1972.  He was the youngest officer on the Carthage patrol at the time of his promotion.  He retired as Chief on September 27, 1998 after 33 ½ years of dedicated service. 

Vinnie first tried to become a State Trooper, but had a birthday nine days before he went to take the exam and was too old to qualify.  At that time, 29 was the maximum age to become a trooper.   It may have been his desire to become a state trooper that motivated him, as Police Chief, to forge relationships between the village police department and other law enforcement agencies.  Vinnie had coffee every day with Sheriff Lafferty, a state trooper stationed in Carthage, to exchange ideas.  Because of the alliance he established, the village police received additional man power and the outside departments benefited from the village policemen’s familiarity with the area.  This special relationship was one that the State Police were proud to recognize. 

Vinnie was known for his unique awareness of what was going on in the village at all times.  Law enforcement officials that worked with him reflect on his keen mind and uncanny memory.   His police buddies joked that they didn’t need a computer to keep records while he was around.  He rarely left a crime unsolved, double-checked every complaint, and worked diligently on every case.  He will be remembered for his true dedication to the Carthage community. 

He was a member of St. James Catholic Church, Carthage Elks Lodge #1762, Carthage VFW Post 7667, Carthage American Legion Bassett-Baxter Post 789, Retired Police Benevolent Association, and the NYS Notary Public Association.  He was also a Fifth-Degree Knight of Columbus.

He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 60 years, Joan, of Carthage; a daughter, Laurie Ann (David) Talbot of Chaumont; a sister, Victoria (Michael) Brewer of Virginia; and four grandchildren, Maci King; Douglas Patridge; Ryan Talbot; and Kyle Talbot.  He is predeceased by a brother, Daniel Frank as well as a sister, Donna Bent.  His beloved cat and dog also went before him.  He loved them greatly. 

Calling hours will be held on Friday, May 18, 2018 from 1-3 PM at Lundy Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Inc., 500 State St., Carthage.  A memorial service will follow at 3:00 PM in the Lundy Funeral Home Chapel.  A private burial will be held at New St. James Cemetery. 

Arrangements are being handled by Lundy Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Inc.  Condolences can be made online at www.lundyfuneralhome.com.

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