Obituary of Franklin Herbert Hecht
Franklin Herbert Hecht, born in Brooklyn, New York, died February 14 at home peacefully in his sleep. He was 101.
Frank was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Rosemarie (nee Longworth) whom he married in 1949.
He is survived by their four children Richard, Patricia, William, Robert and daughters-in-law Beth, Barbara, and Suzanne. Frank (“Pop Pop”) is also survived by his six grandchildren Elizabeth, Brian, Liam, Alexandra, Caroline, and Sara, two granddaughters-in-law, Isabel and Fallon, and three granddogs, ZuZu, Shea, and Sully.
A graduate of Erasmus Hall High School, Frank was a student at City College when in 1942, at the age of 20, he enlisted in the Army. He served in the 99th Infantry Division, 395th Regiment, Company C, 1st Battalion. Starting as a combat infantryman, Frank, who fought in the European Theatre of Operations including the Battle of the Bulge, was discharged as a 2nd Lieutenant and was awarded The Bronze Star for heroic achievement in a combat zone.
Following graduation from City College, Frank went on to lead a long career in advertising at the New York Daily News and New York Post. Frank and Rosemarie enjoyed hosting cocktail parties and pulling pranks on their guests such as the famous “falling down the stairs” charade.
He was an avid golfer and enjoyed watching and playing the game with his sons and grandsons. Frank was a voracious reader and was always trading books with his children.
A dedicated grandfather, he attended over ten Veterans Day assemblies at his grandchildren’s various schools, as well as numerous school plays, sports games, and graduations.
He was an extremely kind and funny man and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
His life will be commemorated on April 20, 2024 at 10:00 am with a Mass celebrated by his cousin Father Martin Biglin. The Mass will be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 95 Plum Brook Road, Somers, New York 10589
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans at http://help.dav.org
