Frank Maxson, longtime resident of Massapequa, died Friday, February 14, 2025, surrounded by his family. The only child of Arthur Maxson, a US Postal Service mail carrier and Mary (Mooney) Maxson, a newspaper worker, Frank grew up in the Bronx and attended St. Francis Preparatory HS and then St. Francis College before attending Fort Schuyler, the Maritime College. Drafted into the Army in 1962, Frank served in Fort Benning in Georgia.

While in college, Frank was set up on a blind date with Mary Ann MacLean, where they, along with friends, spent the day at Jones Beach. Frank had always loved the beach and soon realized he loved Mary as well and they were married in July 1961.

Being an only child, Frank had always wanted a large family and he and Mary were the proud parents of Michael (Carolyn Heary), Colleen (Patrick Kanaley), Erin (Paul Malanowski), Megan (Nick Blanchard) and Sean. It was clear to all who knew Frank that of all his accomplishments, he was proudest of the life and family he built with Mary. He was not only a great father, but a cherished friend to his children and their spouses.

Frank spent many years working on Wall Street, eventually becoming a consultant, and, later, an educator at SUNY Farmingdale. While working a full-time job with three young children at home, Frank also completed a Graduate degree at Adelphi University. It was during this time that he also taught himself calligraphy and started authoring a book, Tales of the Celt, with drawings reminiscent of the Book of Kells. Frank loved sailing, fishing, building model sailboats as well as recreating model scenes from Viking and revolutionary wars, meticulously hand painting hundreds of soldiers, building scenery for his Lionel train set, and caring for his koi pond. At any social gathering, Frank always had a great story to tell over a rum and coke, a bottle of Smithwick’s or a glass of wine. He was genuinely curious and a generous listener, always asking great questions and remembering small details, and he had a laugh that was felt around the room. Above all things, he was thoughtful and kind, and, as a result, he and Mary built and held lifelong friendships.

Frank adored his ten grandchildren Catherine, Margaret, Mary, Sean, Anna, Kyra, Liam, Kai, Cole, and Finn. He was ebullient when he was with his grandkids, 100% present playing a game or just catching up and being a part on their lives. Most recently, he was overjoyed to attend the wedding of his eldest granddaughter, Catie, to Seth Jarrett in November.

Frank will be waked at Massapequa Funeral Home (South), on Friday, February 21 from 4-8 pm and the funeral mass will be Saturday, February 22 at 9:30 am at St. Martin of Tours Church in Amityville. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Frank’s name to the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Michael F. Hogan Division 15, in Massapequa, NY, where he was a proud member.

To send flowers to the family or place a tree in memory of Frank A. Maxson, please visit our Tribute Store.