Frank Daniel Deknis

Frank Daniel “Dan” Deknis, a devoted husband, loving father, and respected community leader, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on January 29, 2025. Born on May 13, 1950 in Holyoke, Massachusetts, Dan was the son of Helen Delores Sigda Deknis and Frank Daniel Deknis Sr.

From an early age, Dan showed a passion for mathematics and computer science, excelling in his studies at Fairview Elementary School and later graduating from Cathedral High School in Springfield, MA with the Class of 1968. Dan pursued higher education at Lowell Technological Institute, earning a degree in Electrical Engineering, followed by a Master’s in Business Administration from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. His career flourished in the technology sector, working as an executive for Digital Equipment Corporation before contributing his expertise to leading hard drive companies including Quantum, Maxtor, and Seagate. Dan retired from the computer industry and found a second career in real estate and the solar industry on the island of Maui.

In 1976, Dan married Kathleen Consedine in Chicopee, MA, beginning a lifelong partnership filled with love and adventure. They settled in Shrewsbury, MA, where they raised their daughter, Alison, born in 1987. A man of many talents, he built model trains and enjoyed classic cars, including his beloved Corvair and GTO. His passion for carpentry was evident in the handcrafted woodwork he created in his basement machine shop. A man known for his humor and love of hosting, Dan was famous for his Polish dishes, Caesar salads, and popovers.

Dan showed dedication to each community he lived in with his volunteer work; communities benefited from the fact that Dan was generous and liked to keep busy. In Massachusetts, he helped establish the science and computer labs at St.Mary School where Alison attended and served on multiple boards, including the Northboro fund for disabled individuals and the Lowell Tech alumni board. When Dan and Kathy moved to Maui in 2006, he served on the Maui Canoe Club and Na Hoaloha boards. He delivered Meals on Wheels and supported live theater on the island, serving on the board of Maui OnStage. In 2020, Dan and Kathy moved back to the mainland, settling in Niantic, CT where Dan continued his tradition of community involvement serving on the Black Point Association Zoning Appeals Board.

Dan loved living near the ocean; you did not see him sunbathing but he was there. In Mattapoisett, summers were spent quahogging and cooking clams casino. In Maui, time was enjoyed on the ocean as member and captain of the Kihei Canoe Club. In Niantic, he fished from the piers and because, as Dan would say, “Fishing isn’t always catching,” he sought out as much local fish and seafood as he could.

Dan is survived by his beloved wife Kathy, his daughter Alison, his son-in-law Dominick, his sister Barbara, and many extended family members. His legacy of kindness and dedication to family and community will live on in the many lives he touched.

A celebration of Dan’s life will be held on Saturday, February 22nd at 11am at St. Agnes Church in Niantic. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to The Sisters of St. Joseph in Springfield, MA or St. Mary School in Shrewsbury, MA.