Frank H. Kappel

Frank H. Kappel- Age 79, of Deer Park, New York, passed peacefully from this life on February 4, 2026. He was born on April 16, 1946, and in the years between those dates he lived a life written softly, thoughtfully, and with great care.

Frank moved through the world as both the reader and the author. He believed that every journey and every person carried a story worth hearing, and he made it his life’s work to listen. Though he spoke few words himself, he gathered all of them, tucking them away like treaures and later shaping them into poems, reflections, and writings. His gift was not in seeking recognition, but in honoring the beauty of ordinary moments and the voices of those around him. The stories he held, the memories he preserved, and the words he quietly shared will remain his lasting legacy.

A retired Sergeant of the United States Air Force, Frank served his country with quiet pride and steady dedication. Yet it was not medals or titles that defined him, it was his gentle spirit. He was, above all else, the observer. He watched. He learned. He listened without judgment. In a noisy world, Frank chose to be a calm place where others felt safe to speak. From the stories of friends, family, and even strangers, he gathered wisdom and a deep compassion for the human heart.

Attentive, patient, and kind—these were not simply qualities Frank carried, but the very essence of who he was. As a young man, as a father, as a grandfather, and as a friend, he never wavered from that gentle truth his soul embodied. His presence brought comfort, his quiet understanding brought peace, and to sit with Frank was to feel truly heard and or seen.

Frank leaves behind no loud declarations—only the quiet echo of a life well lived. His stories will continue to be told, his songs will continue to be sung, and in the still moments of remembrance, those who we’re blessed to be touched by him, will feel his gentle kindness and wisdom living on within them.

He is survived by his son, Arthur Kappel, and Arthur’s wife, Jessie; his beloved grandchildren, Frank Cirillo, Justin Kappel, Zachary Kappel, Ruby Kappel, and Ashley Becker; and his brother, John Kappel.

Visitation will be held on February 10, 2026 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at D’Andrea Bros Funeral Home, 99 Oak Street, Copiague, NY 11726.

Burial with military honors will take place on February 11, 2026 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Calverton National Cemetery, 210 Princeton Boulevard, Calverton, NY 11933

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Frank's memory to the Wounded Warrior Project.

https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org