Frank Page Hawthorne

Taps was played for the last time for retired USCG Lieutenant Frank Page Hawthorne on February 20, 2025. Frank was born August 1, 1957 in Bay Shore, New York to his parents, George W. and Florence Esther Hawthorne. Frank grew up around boats and fishing, working as a first mate for Captain George Mahr on the “Anna M” at Captree State Park, NY. He joined the Coast Guard in 1975, enlisting to see other parts of the country only to be stationed at the far end of Long Island at CG Station Shinnecock, NY! However, as he advanced in the Coast Guard, he traveled the country, from San Diego, CA to Miami, FL, crossing the Arctic Circle while serving on the “Northwind” as well as serving on International Ice Patrol. He was a leader while he was in the Coast Guard and out. While working as an independent contractor for Norwegian Cruise Lines, on May 7, 2000, Frank met a Texas woman, Marilyn. It was love at first sight for both of them. After a six-month, long-distance, whirlwind courtship, Frank sold his business in Delaware, sold his house, packed up his belongings and dog Sadie, and moved halfway across the country to Houston. Seven months later, Frank and Marilyn were married in June, 2001, settling down in West Houston. They were excited to welcome their son in January, 2003. They continued heading West, moving to Katy in May, 2006. In October, 2019 if their family was not blended enough, Frank and Marilyn adopted their daughter, Madison and by extension, her grandmother Sally Baker, completing their family.

After moving to Texas, Frank fully embraced our Tex-Mex culture, instituting a reunion with his high school classmates who had relocated South, or anyone else, for that matter! The gathering was typically held the first weekend of May and quickly labeled as our “Cinco de Mayo” party, complete with gallons of frozen margaritas. His outdoor grill was his domain; if you ever had a steak grilled by Frank, you appreciated every bite. Frank was a skilled woodworker, designing tables, challenge coin holders, and other items of furniture. He had a fully outfitted shop in his garage and loved working side by side with his brother in law, Joe.

Frank was diagnosed with HPV related throat cancer in July, 2022 and sought the medical care of MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. Frank was initially treated with radiation therapy at the Center’s West Campus. The cancer became more aggressive in August of 2023 and he was treated with chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Frank’s fighting spirit and positive attitude while facing the specter of cancer has been an inspiration to all of us.

Frank is preceded in death by his parents Florence Esther and George Hawthorne, his in laws Mildred and Blanchard Andries, his brother George Hawthorne, and his oldest daughter Jessica Marie Hawthorne Young. He is survived by his devoted wife, Marilyn, his daughters Holli Croope (Troy) and Madison Peters, and his son, Jonathan, as well as his grandchildren Claudia Young, Zachary Young, William Croope, and Hannah Croope. He is also survived by his sisters Esther Gorman and her husband Joe and Mary Dentrone and her husband Carl. Frank has many cousins, nieces, and nephews who will miss him and his counsel.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the dedicated medical staff of MD Anderson. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Frank’s memory to MD Anderson. Our family, friends, and neighbors have stood firmly behind the entire family through his illness. He was a Coastie to the very end, living up to their motto, Semper Paratus. You will be missed every single day.