Claire Frank, a longtime resident of Westhampton Beach and Hampton Bays, died on September 25. She was 66.
Born in Rockville Centre on May 18, 1953, she spent her childhood growing up in Freeport, with her parents Joe and Dorothy Frank; her brothers, Michael, Patrick, and Jeffrey, of of whom predeceased her; and her sisters, Mary Frank Fitzgerald and Jean Frank.
Ms. Frank was devoted to the service industry and was beloved by her patrons and coworkers alike, survivors said. She spent her career as a waitress working in Westhampton Beach at The Post Stop Café, The Patio, Magic’s Pub and Starr Boggs.
She retired from restaurant service and took a job at the Southampton Animal Shelter, where she spent the last 15 years devoted to caring for the animals and finding a home for every pet she could. Survivors said she loved the shelter, and her coworkers there and was often heard saying, “This isn’t just a job, this is my life.”
Ms. Frank is survived by her sisters, Mary Fitzgerald and husband Kevin, and Jean Frank; her nieces, Jen Kessenich and husband Mark and their four children, Daphne Cafone and her children; her nephews, Casey Frank and wife Mia Frank and their daughter, Brendon Henry and wife Brittany Henry and their two children, and niece Mallory Williams and her two children.
A memorial gathering will be held at Westhampton Country Club on Sunday, October 27, from 2 to 6 p.m. It was originally to be a fundraiser to help offset her medical bills while battling lung cancer, but it is now a reunion for friends and former employees of Magic’s Pub and The Artful Dodger with proceeds going to The Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation and The Liv Your Cor Foundation. Tickets are available at Sydney’s Taylor Made Cuisine, Lynne’s Cards and Gifts, Fitzgerald Gallery, and at the door on the day of the event. All locations are in the Village of Westhampton Beach.
Staff Writer on Oct 7, 2019