Richard L. Frankenberg's Obituary
We celebrate the beautiful life of Richard “Rich” L. Frankenberg, a man whose kindness, steady support, and hardworking spirit lifted everyone around him.
Rich was born on April 19, 1948, in Elmira, NY, born to parents, Edward Frankenberg and Barbara Osgood. He was the second of two children.
Rich was a joyful and adventurous person. He was a competitive roller skater from the age of 5 up until he was 18. He won many trophies in national competitions, with awards in both pairs and singles divisions. He graduated from Central Tech in Syracuse, NY, graduating in 1966. That milestone marked the start of a lifetime of learning, going into his lifelong career in technology, ultimately retiring from the company Intel in 2015 after 20 years. In retirement, he continued his love of tech and enjoyed working in HAM radios.
He was proud of his military service, serving as a member of the United States Airforce during the Vietnam War.
Travel and musical theatre were Rich’s joys in life. He lived across the entire United States in Syracuse, NY; Concord, MA; Atlanta, GA; Washington, DC; Albuquerque, NM, and Tacoma, WA. Beyond the US, he has traveled to Kenya, India, Thailand, Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Peru, and the Galapagos, some of his most cherished trips. He enjoyed bluegrass music, John Denver, Elton John and Tim Rice's Aida. Whether planning the next trip or sharing a well-loved song, he welcomed people into those moments with an open heart.
Rich’s greatest pride was his family. He leaves behind his loving wife, Mary Huff; his children, April Crane, Jan Frankenberg, Eric Frankenberg, Allen Smith, Sarah McTernen, and Colin Smith; 12 grandchildren, Sunshine, Sage, Samara, Rhegan, Riley, Reese, Ash, Emma, Dylan, Logan, Arlo, and Matilda; his sister Marilyn Teeter; and nieces Sherry and Susan.
Rich passed away on April 22, 2025, in Lakewood, WA. As we think of him today, we choose joy, just as he did. Each new journey and every good song keeps his spirit shining. Let us honor Rich by turning up the music, sharing a good story, and keeping travel plans on the horizon.
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Share a story where Richard's kindness touched your heart.
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