‘Big Frank' inspires daughters to continue his legacy of service

Dinner-dance kicks off Frank J. Romano Foundation, By Geri Corey Goshen — “Nine months ago we had an idea, and here it is,” Caroyln Romano said about the Frank J. Romano Foundation, which was launched Aug. 22 at a dinner-dance held at the Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame. The Foundation will make money available “to people who have a great idea linked to public service and who need seed money to get off the ground,” she said. It will also help not-for-profit programs already in place. The foundation honors her late father, Frank, who found joy in doing for others. He was, said Carolyn, “A man of service.” He served for four years as Goshen town supervisor. But he always said his “greatest legacy” were his four daughters. And it is this connection of public service and love of family that inspired his daughters to continue Frank’s commitment to making life better. Starting a foundation seemed the perfect way to do this. First on the to-do list, said Carolyn, is awarding a scholarship in Frank’s name to a graduating high school senior who is planning a life in public service. She hopes the dinner-dance will be the first of many events to support the new foundation. The foundation is working on a 5K run/walk and “the first round of grant-making,” she said. From Brooklyn to Goshen Born on Oct. 24, 1941, in the Bay Ridge section of Brooklyn, Frank worked for 23 years for the New York City Police Department. He retired in 1982 as a sergeant of detectives. He and his wife, Dorothy, came to Goshen in 1973 with their four children: Amy, Carolyn, Kelly, and Dina, who was only six years old at the time. He spent nine years on the Village Zoning Board of Appeals, five of those years as chairman. Later he was elected to the Goshen town board, first as a councilman and then as supervisor. But it was the volunteer work he did with the Italian-American Club that brought him the greatest satisfaction. “He just loved bringing food baskets and Christmas gifts to the children of migrant workers at House on the Hill,” said Town Councilman Lou Capella, Frank’s long-time friend and fellow Italian-American Club member. Dorothy has vivid memories of Frank cooking up sausage and peppers to sell at Goshen’s big annual festival, the Great American Weekend. Proceeds from the sale provided food and gifts for children in need. He worked on this project right up to the end. He succumbed to cancer on July 17, 2007, at the age of 66. According to his old friends from Brooklyn, Frank was always a take-charge kind of guy, a mover and a shaker — but one who always stayed close to his friends. He was the one who prompted their get-togethers and reunions. Friends and family were high on his list of priorities, and he extended his care to the wider community. His friends remember him as a larger-than-life personality, a man who always enjoyed a party. But “Big Frank” had direction, too. “My father thought you could do anything, each and every one of us,” said Carolyn. “He may be gone, but we’re here. There’s much to do.” Carolyn and her sisters — Amy Byers, Kelly Jeffers, and Dina Prosser — are working hard to continue their father’s good works. “The community support that we’ve received in overwhelming,” said Carolyn. “A lot of people who couldn’t make the affair, sent donations. It feels good.” To learn more about the Frank J. Romano Foundation, visit www.fjrfoundation.org or call 978-897-1514.