Frank McConville

After a beautiful and amazing journey, Frank was 88 years old at his passing. Frank McConville was born on July 11, 1935 in the South Bronx. Frank was a son of Arthur McConville and Josephine McConville (nee Kinney).

Frank attended St Luke’s Grammar school where he graduated in 1950. He then attended Grace Dodge High School where he graduated in 1954. Frank enjoyed sports and excelled in baseball and stickball. There were stories told of legendary stickball games played by the McConville brothers where wagers were made on the streets of the South Bronx. Frank was an avid New York Giants fan for both the professional baseball and football teams.

Frank proudly served his country in the US Army. He entered the service in 1954 and did his basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey. He was then assigned to Kirchhain in Germany, where he was stationed from 1955 to 1956. Frank was a squad Leader and rose to the rank of Private First Class. Frank told many stories of his time in Germany, however, his favorite one was while on leave that he was able to travel to Ireland and meet his family there. While meeting his grandparents, he was able to hand deliver a German cuckoo clock to them.

Upon completion of his military service, Frank embarked on his career. He started a job at Consolidated Edison in Manhattan in 1957. His first job was in the steam department. He would soon move to the photographic department and a career was started. Frank would be assigned to take pictures all over New York City. He would take pictures from bucket trucks, bridges, towers and even from a helicopter! Frank was depended upon to provide the company with the photographic evidence required. He did his job with grace and humility.

It was at Con Ed that Frank met Joan O’Connell. A romance blossomed, Frank had met his soul mate and best friend. The couple married in 1962 and moved to Queens. It was soon after that a son was born, Arthur, (who was named for his Grandfather). Almost a year later, a second son was born, Frank, (named for his Dad). The young family looked for a new home and in 1966 they settled on Staten Island.

It was on Staten Island that Frank became an avid golfer. Silver Lake was his second home! Many hours and days were spent on his swing and short game. He taught the game to his family. It was in 1986 that Frank achieved a golfing milestone and recorded a hole in one on the 6th hole of Silver Lake. Golf was a true passion of Frank’s.

If you had the good fortune to meet Frank, you were a friend for life. Frank had a gift of welcoming everyone and making them feel at ease. Within minutes, Frank would have his arm around you and having a wonderful conversation. If you ever needed guidance or advice, Frank would be very candid and direct and you would have your answer. His honesty and sincerity was a gift that he freely shared with all. When you talked to Frank, you felt like there was no one else in the room. He was speaking with you!

Frank was devoted to his family. At all the family gatherings you could always find Frank in the middle of conversations with a smile on his face or a having a hearty laugh. Frank truly enjoyed the family trips that we took. The trip to Augusta for the Masters, the trips to Las Vegas and the trip to Italy all held a special place in his heart as he did them with his family.

Frank was very proud of his sons. All that they accomplished in school, sports, careers and family life was huge source of pride for him and Joan. Frank often talked about the value of education. Frank and Joan sacrificed so their sons could have the best education. Thanks Pop!

In 1996, Frank retired from Con Ed. By this time, he and Joan had settled in Silver Lake and it was time for a second career. He worked at Silver Lake golf Course as a Ranger, Ambassador and Cart supervisor for the next 20 years. It was during this time that both of his sons were married and had families. Frank relished the role of Grandfather and enjoyed time spent with his grandchildren.

Frank was a fixture on Forest Avenue. Whether, running to the bank, CVS or holding court at Beans and Leaves coffee shop or having a meal at Jody’s Club Forest. Frank was a mainstay in the neighborhood. There were many sayings that Frank was famous for: “How’s Yourself?”, “Tell you what I’ll do…”, “You got that right!” and “Have a Happy!” A credo that he firmly believed in Was, “You choose whether to be happy or not.”

Frank was devoted to St Michael the Archangel. He was a parishioner of Our Lady of Good Counsel Church. Frank was predeceased by his parents, brothers Arthur, James and Eugene McConville. He is survived by the wife Joan McConville (nee O’Connell), his sons, Arthur (Melanie) of St Louis, MO, and Frank (Kim) of Red Hook, NY and grandchildren, Molly, Marshall and Aidan. He is also survived by his sister, Mary ”Pat” Johnson of St Louis, MO, sister-in-law, Constance McConville of Little Falls, NJ, niece Patricia DeVito (Jay) of Cedar Grove, NJ. Frank is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins in the following families: McConville, O’Connell, Twomey, Allen, Kinney, McCarthy, Golding, DiFalco, Cleary, Grant and Gallagher.

Frank will be interred in St Peter’s Cemetery on Staten Island. A Memorial Service and celebration of Frank’s life will be held at Harmon Funeral Home, 571 Forest Avenue Staten Island, New York 10310, on Saturday August 24 from 10am - 2pm.

To follow will be a repast which will be held at 2:30pm at Jody's Club Forest, 372 Forest Avenue, Staten Island, New York 10301.

If so desired, donations can be made in Frank's memory to St. Jude Children's Hospital

https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?promo=srch&sc_dcm=58700008008698866&sc_cid=kwp&sc_cat=b&&&&&ds_rl=1290690&ds_rl=1291300&ds_rl=1285465&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIvveiz8-IhwMVaZ1aBR1j6A6KEAAYASAAEgIt3PD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds