We learned the sad news that Charles A. Frank III ’59 P'88 '90, Honorary Trustee and Chairman of the Board Emeritus, passed away on June 16 at the age of 78.  Mr. Frank first joined the Board in 1982 and later served as Board Chair from 1993-2007. During his 14 years as Chair, Mr. Frank was a key force in advancing the School’s mission and ensuring that The Hill continued to be regarded as one of the leading independent schools in the nation. The most historic change which occurred during Mr. Frank’s leadership was the decision to move to coeducation in the fall of 1998.

Prior to joining the Board of Trustees, Mr. Frank served as president of The Hill School Alumni Association; was a member of the Executive Committee from 1976-1982; and served as a class secretary and on many of his reunion committees.

In November 1998, Hill Trustees, guided by Mr. Frank, launched the School’s first major comprehensive $70 million campaign -- The Campaign for The Hill School. By the close of the Campaign in June 2003, the goal was surpassed with a total of $84.5 million. During that Campaign, numerous significant physical enhancements were made to the campus including the creation of new buildings and renovations of dormitories and athletics facilities: a new Health Center, the Academic Center, Dell Village dormitories, the David H. Mercer Field House and Jerry Day ’37 Squash Center (which includes a court in honor of the Frank family), and the Edward Tuck Hall Hockey Arena & Thomas Eccleston, Jr. Rink.

"Charlie was a visionary leader as Chairman.  He guided the Board through a time of great change, and partnered with David Dougherty to establish coeducation, to adopt a strategic planning process, and to design and execute a successful capital campaign," noted current Board Chairman Preston G. Athey '67. "Those of us who served with him admired his love of The Hill and his hard work to improve the school."

Upon his retirement from the Board in 2007, the Board of Trustees and then Headmaster David R. Dougherty, established a special Commencement award in Mr. Frank’s honor. Each year, The Charles A. Frank III ’59 Award “recognizes in its pure form philanthropy, the love of mankind. Exemplified best in service to others, this spirit, cultivated in all students at The Hill, encourages them to give back to others and inspires them to do more for school, community, and country.”

In 2008, Mr. Frank and his wife, Betty, made a leadership gift to the School to establish the Student Philanthropy Council (SPC), a program still flourishing at the School today. The Franks shared the belief that young people should volunteer their time and efforts to benefit their communities which, in turn, would foster life-long philanthropic interests.  Because of the Franks’ continued generosity, each year the SPC is able to award $16,000 worth of grants to local non-profit organizations to help fund those entities’ programs.

Mr. Frank’s proven effectiveness as a leader and motivator began while he was enrolled as a student at Hill. Mr. Frank was the chairman of The Hill Christian Association, president of the band and orchestra, and a member of the Sixth Form Speaking Club.  He was a three-sport standout in tennis, squash, and soccer and was vice president or president of his form in each of his four years.  He was a four-year member of the Student Council and the editor-in-chief of The Hill News, the School’s student newspaper.      

Mr. Frank was a 1963 graduate of Yale University, where he garnered All-Ivy and All-American honors in soccer. In 1968, Mr. Frank earned his M.B.A. from New York University.  He also was a private in the U.S. Army.

From 1968 to 1974, Mr. Frank served as a partner at the prestigious investment firm W.E. Hutton & Company. From 1974 until 1989, he served as a senior vice president of United States Trust Company of New York, before he joined Mellon Bank in that same role.

Mr. Frank is survived by his beloved wife, Betty; son, Garrett, Hill class of 1988, and his wife, Rush; and son Reade, Hill class of 1990, and his wife, Jennifer; and five grandchildren: Riley, Cole, Piper, Slater and Maddox. Mr. Frank’s Hill ties also include his father, Charles Frank, Hill class of 1924; brother Richard Frank, Hill class of 1962; and nephew David Ross, Hill class of 1994. 

“Charlie Frank is one of The Hill’s greatest sons,” said Headmaster Zack Lehman P’16 ’18. “We would not be the thriving School we are today without his leadership, friendship, wisdom, and generosity.”

The Hill School community extends its deepest condolences to the entire Frank family.

For more information: https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/naplesnews/obituary.aspx?n=charles-a-frank&pid=193177191