I received a phone call from his daughter Liz this morning. Frank passed early this morning from cancer. No arrangements have been made as of yet, but I will post them as soon as I know the details. Feel free to email me if you want me to reply back to you when I hear of them. I will have a better chance of getting back to you than if you call me, as I am out of town.

For those of you who do not know of him, Frank was a sales representative for Wurlitzer, Samick, Baldwin and other companies, going back to the 70's. Prior to that he was a professional musician.

He was the most engaging, thoughtful, funniest, selfless, generous person I have met in nearly 20 years in this business (sorry to the rest of you). He had an extremely quick wit, a hearty laugh, a great smile and a thirst for knowledge. He was a history expert, a great story teller, and loved his home and garden which he shared with his wife Peg.

The industry has lost a great man and a true legend today.

Goodbye Frank. You will be missed by many.

Rich McIlhenny (RJ)
RMAC88@aol.com

Thanks for the post Rich.

I didn't know Frank personally, but I was selling pianos in the 70's and 80's (and I've been around a while) so I know the name.

Always sad to lose one of our own.

RJ: Thanks for the notice, he was a good friend.
I hope his family comes through this well.

Frank and I had a few "drinky winkies" in our time!

He will be sorely missed.

Frank was my first rep that that actually cared about "you" and not how many do you want. I will always remember that he always referred to me as "kid" and never my name. I learned from him and will miss him. I give my best to his family and friends, he will be missed.

I did not know Frank personally, but do want to send my deepest sympathies to his family. Gaby Tu

I just got word that instead of a memorial service, Frank's family will be having a party in his memory. I am sure that Frank would much rather look down and see us having a few cocktails, while we share our memories of him, instead of a somber service.

It should happen in a week or two, when the dust settles. I'll post the details, once I hear of them.

Frank was one of the last of the dying breed of reps who actually cared about the dealer's financial situation and success. My wife and I both worked with Frank throughout the last 30 years and we will miss him. This industry could use a few more Franks.
Best Regards and our utmost sympathy for his family

Bill and Karen (Gerrero) Haught

Met and became good friends with Frank when working for keyboard World in Uniontown, PA.. Frank and I would always argue over which piano was best, Sameck or Yamaha, of course we sold both makes! To many of the dealers, his passing is a loss, not only as a sales rep but al;so, as a friend! I'm sure Frank will be remembered for his wit, and to his family, my deepest sympathy!

Jim Berna
piano Tuner- Tech.

I spoke with Frank's wife Peg and his daughter Liz today. They will be hosting an informal gathering at their house in Frederick on Saturday November 3rd, 2007 from 1-5 PM. Their address is 34 East 4th Street, Frederick MD 21701. Feel free to call Liz or Peg at 301-788-3756 if you have any questions. I told them of this site so they can see the wonderful things being said about Frank and how much people loved him.

One of my colleagues will be on vacation that day, leaving us short handed, so I am trying to figure out a way to get down there. If I am unable to I will raise a drinky winky to the heavens in his memory at 4:30 PM if anyone else out there wants to join me in spirit.

I totally agree with RJ's description of Frank to the letter. We miss him.

Some of you may know that Frank was a drummer first and keyboard player... well, third or fourth. Anyway, I thought I would post a couple of photos of Frank playing with his first band, The Sliders.


Here they are in the middle of a gig:



And I think this one was for the press release:


Thanks for everything Frank!

Frank was the first rep I met in this business. He happened to come into the store on a day that I was by myself. To this day, that was one of the best training sessions I ever had. Learned more about the piano business in eight hours than alot of others know with years experience. He helped me close two pianos that day, neither of which were brands that he represented. The owner of the company called me up while Frank was there, and told me to do everything Frank told me. Which resulted in a trip to the Barbecue joint across the way from my store, a few "drinky-winkies" and a call to my roommate for a drive home.

I will miss him, and will make it a point of at least stopping in for the get together.

Here is a link from the NAMM website, with a nice tribute to Frank; it includes an interview he did for their archives a couple years ago. No doubt Frank would have approved of this technology to remember those folks who made a contribution to this industry.

http://www.namm.org/resource-center/in-memoriam-1

Will miss Frank ... He was always an inspiration to me.

I hope we hear from some who were able to attend Frank's "sending off" party yesterday.

Unfortunately, although all of us at Cunningham wanted to be there, we were not able to attend.

I was just talking about you Frank.

Still miss you, buddy.