Fr. Frank Wolfram, SDB (1932-2012)
Fr. Francis “Frank” Raymond Wolfram, SDB,
died at Calvary Hospital in the Bronx early on the evening of January 25, 2012, after a long bout with cancer. The disease was first diagnosed in 2005 and recurred in May 2011. He was 79 years old and had been a Salesian of Don Bosco for more than 60 years and a priest for more than 49 years.
Fr. Frank was secretary of the New Rochelle Province of the Salesians and a member of the provincial residence community in New Rochelle from September 2004 until his death.
Fr. Frank was born to Frederick and Catherine Wolfram on March 18, 1932, and raised in Riverside, N.J., where the family belonged to St. Peter’s Church and Frank was baptized within a month of birth and confirmed at age 11. He attended St. Peter’s Elementary School in Riverside for eight years.
While he was a junior in high school, he had what was truly a chance encounter with Don Bosco. As he told the story, he was walking on the street near home one day when the wind blew a piece of paper against his leg. He picked it up and discovered a Salesian vocation flyer, “The Voice of Don Bosco.” He responded to it and received a personal reply from the vocation director at Don Bosco Seminary in Newton. That personal reply led to a visit to the Salesian school in Goshen, where Fr. Joseph Stella was a deep impression on him. Upon his graduation from Camden Catholic High School in May 1949, Frank applied to the seminary, which he entered in September 1949 as a Son of Mary (“late vocation”).
Frank was admitted to the novitiate at Newton the following year; his master of novices was Fr. Attilio Giovannini. He began his preaching career in May 1951 with a sermonette entitled “Mary, Queen of Apostles.” He made his first profession of vows on September 8, 1951, and became Bro. Frank Wolfram.
At Don Bosco College Bro. Frank was much involved in dramatics as well as in more academic pursuits. After his graduation (magna cum laude) in 1954, he did his practical training as a teacher at Salesian High School in New Rochelle (1954-1956), Don Bosco Prep in Ramsey (1956-1957), and Don Bosco Tech in Paterson (1957-1958). He didn’t explain why he had four years of training instead of the usual three.
Bro. Frank began his theological studies at the Salesians’ Theologate of St. Thomas Aquinas in Aptos, Calif., in 1958. When that institution was closed in 1960, Bro. Frank was only halfway through the program of studies. According to his telling of the story, Fr. Felix Penna, the provincial, assigned the theology students to their new schools without asking them where they would like to go. Seeing Bro. Frank’s German name, he assumed that he knew some German and so designated him for the Salesians’ Philosophisch-Theologische Hochschule at Benediktbeuern, Germany. In fact, Bro. Frank didn’t know a word of German, was the only English-speaking student at Benediktbeuern, and had to learn the language by immersion. His knowledge of German later proved useful not only for teaching it at the high school level but also for preaching, confessions, and ministry at the German and Austrian consulates in New York City.
At Benediktbeuern Bro. Frank proved to be a valuable liaison with U.S. soldiers stationed at Bad Tölz, obtaining their help, for instance, in getting a basketball court built for the theologians. He, in turn, offered them lectures on the art of the monastery of Benediktbeuern, parts of which date back to the eighth century (it was founded by St. Boniface). Years later, Fr. Frank enjoyed telling the story of his first encounter with the soldiers, who admired his mastery of English and wondered where he had learned it.
At Benediktbeuern, Fr. Frank earned a master’s degree in theology and was ordained on June 29, 1962, by Bishop Josef Freundorfer of Augsburg.
Most of Fr. Frank’s priestly life was spent in the province’s schools: Salesian High School in New Rochelle (teacher and catechist 1962-1964, vice principal and principal 1966-1973, director 1978-1980), Don Bosco Tech in Boston (dean of students 1964-1966), St. Dominic Savio High School in East Boston (teacher 1973-1974), Archbishop Shaw High School in Marrero (principal 1974-1978), LaSalle High School in Miami (principal 1985-1990), Don Bosco Technical High School in Paterson (teacher 1990-1991), and Mary Help of Christians School in Tampa (director 1994-1997). He was a skilled teacher of religion, English, German, and world history at all levels of high school.
While he was principal in New Rochelle, Salesian High reached its peak enrollment of 567 boys, and Fr. Frank also noted with pride that, unlike some other Catholic schools in the area, Salesian never had to close because of student unrest in the late 1960s. He maintained relationships with many of the alumni for years, which he happily refreshed annually at the President’s Dinners, and he took pleasure in looking after “Diego’s Boys” (see E-Service 12/15/11)—many of them Salesian alumni—while he was at the provincial house in recent years.
During his directorship of Salesian High, Fr. William Keane was principal. He observes that Fr. Frank’s “fairness and love for the teachers as well as the students made my task that much easier. You could tell that he loved to teach. His students loved him and many returned to wish him well and recall the ‘old days.’ Some of the guys who at times found themselves in trouble were probably his best admirers. He knew when to set them straight.”
The current principal of Salesian High, John Flaherty, pays tribute to Father Wolfram as his mentor: “I had the great fortune of starting my teaching career when Fr. Frank was the prefect of studies in the ’60s. He was the man in full control of every aspect of school life. His energy was boundless. and he seemed to be everywhere at the same time. He shepherded his flock of young men intensely, and many of them have remained life-long friends. How fortunate I was that he also found the time to mentor his young staff. The blueprint he provided for us helped us to get where we are today. Proudly, I continue many of the practices that Fr. Frank started so many years ago. His legacy has become our traditions at Salesian High School.”
Salesian High honored Fr. Frank thrice, in 1984 as its first honorary alumnus, in 2003 with its Distinguished Faculty Award, and in 2005 with the St. Francis de Sales Award for Outstanding Service.
When he was a junior at Don Bosco Tech in Paterson in 1990-1991, Fr. Abe Feliciano had Fr. Frank as his theology teacher. He writes: “He…was one of my favorite teachers. He really ignited in us (the students) a greater love for Jesus, the Paschal Mystery and the continued presence of Christ among us.”
Having earned a master’s degree in educational administration and supervision (with distinction) at Boston College (1975), he served as the province’s superintendent of schools from 1979 to 1985. He also served on the provincial council in those years. Fr. Frank took additional courses in education at Fordham and Tulane universities. His practical ability as teacher and supervisor of instruction is indicated also by his having earned certifications in Florida, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York based on both his education and his experience.
A long letter from Alvin L. Murphy, associate superintendent of schools for the Archdiocese of New Orleans to Fr. Sam Isgro, the provincial, in 1976 testifies that he was “an outstanding administrator” who had “given a new and exciting direction to Archbishop Shaw High School,” enabling the school to make “great strides academically.” After noting many particulars concerning both students and faculty, Mr. Murphy wrote, “We…appreciate your assigning a man of such a caliber to Archbishop Shaw High School and we want to assure you that we could not be more pleased with Father Frank.”
Fr. Frank’s peers within the New Orleans Archdiocese, too, recognized his abilities, choosing him to serve a term as chairman of the Catholic Secondary Principals Association. He also belonged to the Archdiocesan Administrators Workshop and the Archdiocesan Finance Committee and served on the steering committee for the Archdiocesan Youth Rally at the Superdome in 1977. The Louisiana State Senate made him an honorary senator in 1976.
Fr. Frank was the first Salesian principal of the archdiocese of Miami’s LaSalle High School when the province agreed to take over its administration in 1985. It presented a different set of challenges as a co-ed school (with far more girls than boys), predominantly Cuban-Americans, and formerly run by a lay administration. Led by Fr. Frank, the Salesians quickly brought a Salesian style and spirit to the staff and students and deepened the school’s spiritual and sacramental life.
Fr. Steve Shafran holds a doctorate in education and is president of Don Bosco Cristo Rey High School in Takoma Park, Md. He is grateful for all that he learned from Fr. Frank. He writes: “I have been blessed to have had Frank Wolfram as a mentor and example, especially of Salesian education at different times in my Salesian life. His hardworking ethic, German precision and love for the Preventive System have been among some of the great qualities that come to mind. I was struck by how much he loved music, theater and literature, and it was from him that I learned more of Don Bosco’s love of the arts.”
Fr. Shafran notes that Fr. Frank sought a balance between the rapport demanded by Don Bosco’s educational approach and “the importance of the educator’s strong preparation and lesson planning for classes.” In his own teaching experience, Fr. Shafran found success from “borrowing” from Fr. Frank’s “excellent notes and lessons plans.”
Fr. Frank was director of the provincial residence in New Rochelle twice (1982-1985, 2005-2008) and of the Salesian Center in Columbus, Ohio (1991-1994), where he guided the students of theology, their pastoral ministries, and the Salesian Boys & Girls Club. His service in the field of Salesian formation also included preaching retreats to novices and giving courses in Scripture, Salesian history, and Salesian education to novices and prenovices.
Fr. Abe recalls beginning his novitiate in 1997 with one of Fr. Frank’s retreats: “It remains to this day one of the best retreats I’ve ever experienced in my Salesian life, and was a constant point of reference throughout my novitiate year.”
A member of the Don Bosco Volunteers secular institute wrote, “How I love the retreats that he gave us—down-to-earth, clear, full of spiritual gems that surely helped us to understand and live better our way of life as consecrated seculars.”
As a novice in 2008-2009, Bro. Paul Chu found Fr. Frank to be “a great teacher…. I enjoyed listening to his teachings on the Preventive System. He was kind, gentle, and always attentive to our needs.”
As regards the Preventive System, Fr. Frank told Fr. Shafran that it was part of who he was. “The Preventive System is our spirituality; it’s the way we have to live.”
At one period Fr. Frank chaired the province’s Formation Commission. Bro. Tom Sweeney served with him and paints a vintage portrait of him: “His meetings were very precise, well organized and right to the point. You knew he did his homework in preparing the necessary information and materials so that when a decision had to be made, you had all the necessary info to make the right decision. He always took the meetings very seriously and expected you to do the same. Though I do not care for meetings, I kind of look forward to his because of his excellent organization and preparation.”
He took part in nine provincial chapters, either ex-officio or by election, between 1980 and 2007.
For seven years Fr. Frank preached adult retreats at Don Bosco Retreat Center in Haverstraw (1997-2004), and until his final illness he remained a popular retreat preacher for both religious and parishes with constant requests for a weeklong or a weekend retreat for various groups. In fact, preaching retreats and parish missions was a staple of his long priestly ministry; the present writer first encountered him when he preached the mid-year retreat to the aspirants in Goshen in the winter of 1964.
As a spiritual director and confessor, he was a compassionate listener who was able to bring his broad experience to the assistance of penitents and counselees.
Fr. George Harkins’s “fondest memories of Fr. Frank will be his cheerfulness, his diligent devotion to duty and his ever-ready welcome which made you feel special.”
“Frank was a faithful, dedicated Salesian and priest and a wonderful man to have known,” Father David Moreno said.
Throughout his priestly years he enjoyed assisting in local parishes on weekends, including Holy Name of Jesus in New Rochelle; St. Boniface in Wesley Hills, N.Y.; St. Augustine in Larchmont, N.Y.; St. Michael in Greenwich, Conn.; St. Agnes in Key Biscayne, Fla.; St. Anthony in Columbus; St. Mary in Tampa. He took great care to celebrate the liturgy as Don Bosco insisted it be done, pie, devote, attente (“fervently, devoutly, attentively”—see BM 7:317), which parishioners, Salesians, and other religious alike very much appreciated. One of his last contributions to community life at the provincial house was a series of talks on the upcoming revised Roman Missal—as series that he never completed.
Fr. Francis “Frank” Raymond Wolfram, SDB,
died at Calvary Hospital in the Bronx early on the evening of January 25, 2012, after a long bout with cancer. The disease was first diagnosed in 2005 and recurred in May 2011. He was 79 years old and had been a Salesian of Don Bosco for more than 60 years and a priest for more than 49 years.Fr. Frank was secretary of the New Rochelle Province of the Salesians and a member of the provincial residence community in New Rochelle from September 2004 until his death.
Fr. Frank was born to Frederick and Catherine Wolfram on March 18, 1932, and raised in Riverside, N.J., where the family belonged to St. Peter’s Church and Frank was baptized within a month of birth and confirmed at age 11. He attended St. Peter’s Elementary School in Riverside for eight years.
While he was a junior in high school, he had what was truly a chance encounter with Don Bosco. As he told the story, he was walking on the street near home one day when the wind blew a piece of paper against his leg. He picked it up and discovered a Salesian vocation flyer, “The Voice of Don Bosco.” He responded to it and received a personal reply from the vocation director at Don Bosco Seminary in Newton. That personal reply led to a visit to the Salesian school in Goshen, where Fr. Joseph Stella was a deep impression on him. Upon his graduation from Camden Catholic High School in May 1949, Frank applied to the seminary, which he entered in September 1949 as a Son of Mary (“late vocation”).
Frank was admitted to the novitiate at Newton the following year; his master of novices was Fr. Attilio Giovannini. He began his preaching career in May 1951 with a sermonette entitled “Mary, Queen of Apostles.” He made his first profession of vows on September 8, 1951, and became Bro. Frank Wolfram.
At Don Bosco College Bro. Frank was much involved in dramatics as well as in more academic pursuits. After his graduation (magna cum laude) in 1954, he did his practical training as a teacher at Salesian High School in New Rochelle (1954-1956), Don Bosco Prep in Ramsey (1956-1957), and Don Bosco Tech in Paterson (1957-1958). He didn’t explain why he had four years of training instead of the usual three.
Bro. Frank began his theological studies at the Salesians’ Theologate of St. Thomas Aquinas in Aptos, Calif., in 1958. When that institution was closed in 1960, Bro. Frank was only halfway through the program of studies. According to his telling of the story, Fr. Felix Penna, the provincial, assigned the theology students to their new schools without asking them where they would like to go. Seeing Bro. Frank’s German name, he assumed that he knew some German and so designated him for the Salesians’ Philosophisch-Theologische Hochschule at Benediktbeuern, Germany. In fact, Bro. Frank didn’t know a word of German, was the only English-speaking student at Benediktbeuern, and had to learn the language by immersion. His knowledge of German later proved useful not only for teaching it at the high school level but also for preaching, confessions, and ministry at the German and Austrian consulates in New York City.
At Benediktbeuern Bro. Frank proved to be a valuable liaison with U.S. soldiers stationed at Bad Tölz, obtaining their help, for instance, in getting a basketball court built for the theologians. He, in turn, offered them lectures on the art of the monastery of Benediktbeuern, parts of which date back to the eighth century (it was founded by St. Boniface). Years later, Fr. Frank enjoyed telling the story of his first encounter with the soldiers, who admired his mastery of English and wondered where he had learned it.
At Benediktbeuern, Fr. Frank earned a master’s degree in theology and was ordained on June 29, 1962, by Bishop Josef Freundorfer of Augsburg.
Most of Fr. Frank’s priestly life was spent in the province’s schools: Salesian High School in New Rochelle (teacher and catechist 1962-1964, vice principal and principal 1966-1973, director 1978-1980), Don Bosco Tech in Boston (dean of students 1964-1966), St. Dominic Savio High School in East Boston (teacher 1973-1974), Archbishop Shaw High School in Marrero (principal 1974-1978), LaSalle High School in Miami (principal 1985-1990), Don Bosco Technical High School in Paterson (teacher 1990-1991), and Mary Help of Christians School in Tampa (director 1994-1997). He was a skilled teacher of religion, English, German, and world history at all levels of high school.
While he was principal in New Rochelle, Salesian High reached its peak enrollment of 567 boys, and Fr. Frank also noted with pride that, unlike some other Catholic schools in the area, Salesian never had to close because of student unrest in the late 1960s. He maintained relationships with many of the alumni for years, which he happily refreshed annually at the President’s Dinners, and he took pleasure in looking after “Diego’s Boys” (see E-Service 12/15/11)—many of them Salesian alumni—while he was at the provincial house in recent years.
During his directorship of Salesian High, Fr. William Keane was principal. He observes that Fr. Frank’s “fairness and love for the teachers as well as the students made my task that much easier. You could tell that he loved to teach. His students loved him and many returned to wish him well and recall the ‘old days.’ Some of the guys who at times found themselves in trouble were probably his best admirers. He knew when to set them straight.”
The current principal of Salesian High, John Flaherty, pays tribute to Father Wolfram as his mentor: “I had the great fortune of starting my teaching career when Fr. Frank was the prefect of studies in the ’60s. He was the man in full control of every aspect of school life. His energy was boundless. and he seemed to be everywhere at the same time. He shepherded his flock of young men intensely, and many of them have remained life-long friends. How fortunate I was that he also found the time to mentor his young staff. The blueprint he provided for us helped us to get where we are today. Proudly, I continue many of the practices that Fr. Frank started so many years ago. His legacy has become our traditions at Salesian High School.”
Salesian High honored Fr. Frank thrice, in 1984 as its first honorary alumnus, in 2003 with its Distinguished Faculty Award, and in 2005 with the St. Francis de Sales Award for Outstanding Service.
When he was a junior at Don Bosco Tech in Paterson in 1990-1991, Fr. Abe Feliciano had Fr. Frank as his theology teacher. He writes: “He…was one of my favorite teachers. He really ignited in us (the students) a greater love for Jesus, the Paschal Mystery and the continued presence of Christ among us.”
Having earned a master’s degree in educational administration and supervision (with distinction) at Boston College (1975), he served as the province’s superintendent of schools from 1979 to 1985. He also served on the provincial council in those years. Fr. Frank took additional courses in education at Fordham and Tulane universities. His practical ability as teacher and supervisor of instruction is indicated also by his having earned certifications in Florida, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York based on both his education and his experience.
A long letter from Alvin L. Murphy, associate superintendent of schools for the Archdiocese of New Orleans to Fr. Sam Isgro, the provincial, in 1976 testifies that he was “an outstanding administrator” who had “given a new and exciting direction to Archbishop Shaw High School,” enabling the school to make “great strides academically.” After noting many particulars concerning both students and faculty, Mr. Murphy wrote, “We…appreciate your assigning a man of such a caliber to Archbishop Shaw High School and we want to assure you that we could not be more pleased with Father Frank.”
Fr. Frank’s peers within the New Orleans Archdiocese, too, recognized his abilities, choosing him to serve a term as chairman of the Catholic Secondary Principals Association. He also belonged to the Archdiocesan Administrators Workshop and the Archdiocesan Finance Committee and served on the steering committee for the Archdiocesan Youth Rally at the Superdome in 1977. The Louisiana State Senate made him an honorary senator in 1976.
Fr. Frank was the first Salesian principal of the archdiocese of Miami’s LaSalle High School when the province agreed to take over its administration in 1985. It presented a different set of challenges as a co-ed school (with far more girls than boys), predominantly Cuban-Americans, and formerly run by a lay administration. Led by Fr. Frank, the Salesians quickly brought a Salesian style and spirit to the staff and students and deepened the school’s spiritual and sacramental life.
Fr. Steve Shafran holds a doctorate in education and is president of Don Bosco Cristo Rey High School in Takoma Park, Md. He is grateful for all that he learned from Fr. Frank. He writes: “I have been blessed to have had Frank Wolfram as a mentor and example, especially of Salesian education at different times in my Salesian life. His hardworking ethic, German precision and love for the Preventive System have been among some of the great qualities that come to mind. I was struck by how much he loved music, theater and literature, and it was from him that I learned more of Don Bosco’s love of the arts.”
Fr. Shafran notes that Fr. Frank sought a balance between the rapport demanded by Don Bosco’s educational approach and “the importance of the educator’s strong preparation and lesson planning for classes.” In his own teaching experience, Fr. Shafran found success from “borrowing” from Fr. Frank’s “excellent notes and lessons plans.”
Fr. Frank was director of the provincial residence in New Rochelle twice (1982-1985, 2005-2008) and of the Salesian Center in Columbus, Ohio (1991-1994), where he guided the students of theology, their pastoral ministries, and the Salesian Boys & Girls Club. His service in the field of Salesian formation also included preaching retreats to novices and giving courses in Scripture, Salesian history, and Salesian education to novices and prenovices.
Fr. Abe recalls beginning his novitiate in 1997 with one of Fr. Frank’s retreats: “It remains to this day one of the best retreats I’ve ever experienced in my Salesian life, and was a constant point of reference throughout my novitiate year.”
A member of the Don Bosco Volunteers secular institute wrote, “How I love the retreats that he gave us—down-to-earth, clear, full of spiritual gems that surely helped us to understand and live better our way of life as consecrated seculars.”
As a novice in 2008-2009, Bro. Paul Chu found Fr. Frank to be “a great teacher…. I enjoyed listening to his teachings on the Preventive System. He was kind, gentle, and always attentive to our needs.”
As regards the Preventive System, Fr. Frank told Fr. Shafran that it was part of who he was. “The Preventive System is our spirituality; it’s the way we have to live.”
At one period Fr. Frank chaired the province’s Formation Commission. Bro. Tom Sweeney served with him and paints a vintage portrait of him: “His meetings were very precise, well organized and right to the point. You knew he did his homework in preparing the necessary information and materials so that when a decision had to be made, you had all the necessary info to make the right decision. He always took the meetings very seriously and expected you to do the same. Though I do not care for meetings, I kind of look forward to his because of his excellent organization and preparation.”
He took part in nine provincial chapters, either ex-officio or by election, between 1980 and 2007.
For seven years Fr. Frank preached adult retreats at Don Bosco Retreat Center in Haverstraw (1997-2004), and until his final illness he remained a popular retreat preacher for both religious and parishes with constant requests for a weeklong or a weekend retreat for various groups. In fact, preaching retreats and parish missions was a staple of his long priestly ministry; the present writer first encountered him when he preached the mid-year retreat to the aspirants in Goshen in the winter of 1964.
As a spiritual director and confessor, he was a compassionate listener who was able to bring his broad experience to the assistance of penitents and counselees.
Fr. George Harkins’s “fondest memories of Fr. Frank will be his cheerfulness, his diligent devotion to duty and his ever-ready welcome which made you feel special.”
“Frank was a faithful, dedicated Salesian and priest and a wonderful man to have known,” Father David Moreno said.
Throughout his priestly years he enjoyed assisting in local parishes on weekends, including Holy Name of Jesus in New Rochelle; St. Boniface in Wesley Hills, N.Y.; St. Augustine in Larchmont, N.Y.; St. Michael in Greenwich, Conn.; St. Agnes in Key Biscayne, Fla.; St. Anthony in Columbus; St. Mary in Tampa. He took great care to celebrate the liturgy as Don Bosco insisted it be done, pie, devote, attente (“fervently, devoutly, attentively”—see BM 7:317), which parishioners, Salesians, and other religious alike very much appreciated. One of his last contributions to community life at the provincial house was a series of talks on the upcoming revised Roman Missal—as series that he never completed.
Fr. Frank blessing the creche in the provincial residence chapel in 2006
He was “a superb homilist,” Claudia McDonnell, a parishioner of St. Augustine, wrote in Catholic New York (March 24, 2011). She amplified that in a recent communication: “Father Frank was among the best homilists I’ve ever listened to. He always had a point to make or a message to convey, and he spoke in a way that made it easy to follow his line of thought. He went straight to the heart of the matter. Sometimes he used humor, sometimes he was very serious, but no matter what he said, he could hold a congregation’s attention in the palm of his hand. He always left you with something you could take away with you and think about. I’ll never forget the way he closed every homily, with a pause and then a quiet ‘May God bless you.’ He was an outstanding priest, and I doubt that anyone whose life he touched will ever forget him.”
Anne Silo, a parishioner at Holy Name of Jesus in New Rochelle, succinctly affirms that: “When he was director at Salesian High School, [his] Mass at Holy Name was packed because he gave terrific homilies.”
Fr. Frank is survived by two sisters, Margaret Picklo of Delran, N.J., and Mary Bernadette Kavanaugh of Dallas, Texas; a brother, Michael of Moorestown, N.J.; a sister-in-law, Mae Wolfram of Westmont, N.J.; and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. Two brothers, Joseph and Anthony, died earlier.
Fr. Frank was waked in the chapel of Salesian High School in New Rochelle, N.Y., on Friday, January 27. The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Augustine Church in Larchmont, N.Y., on January 28. Fr. Tom Dunne presided, and Fr. Jim Heuser preached. Fr. Frank was buried in the Salesian Cemetery in Goshen.
Anne Silo, a parishioner at Holy Name of Jesus in New Rochelle, succinctly affirms that: “When he was director at Salesian High School, [his] Mass at Holy Name was packed because he gave terrific homilies.”
Fr. Frank is survived by two sisters, Margaret Picklo of Delran, N.J., and Mary Bernadette Kavanaugh of Dallas, Texas; a brother, Michael of Moorestown, N.J.; a sister-in-law, Mae Wolfram of Westmont, N.J.; and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. Two brothers, Joseph and Anthony, died earlier.
Fr. Frank was waked in the chapel of Salesian High School in New Rochelle, N.Y., on Friday, January 27. The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Augustine Church in Larchmont, N.Y., on January 28. Fr. Tom Dunne presided, and Fr. Jim Heuser preached. Fr. Frank was buried in the Salesian Cemetery in Goshen.
5 comments:
Father Mike, this is a lovely tribute to my Uncle Frank. Thank you for writing such a thorough account of his life...I have to say I enjoyed reading it and didn't know some of the information you provided. Thank you again!
Judy Marino
RIP, Father Frank. Thank you for the guidance you provided as my Principal at La Salle High School. You made such a positive impact on the lives of so many students, and you will surely be missed.
Father Frank, thank you for your friendship and advice during my years at La Salle. I still smile thinking of our long conversations, and I know I am one of many students who are truly blessed to have met you. May you rest in peace.
Father Frank was a valued friend and teacher as Brother Frank at Salesian High School in New Rochelle, back in the 1950s. May he rest in peace.
HJBoitel, Salesian Class of 1957
Fr. Mike received the following as an e-mail on 5/29/14 from one of Fr. Frank's former campers:
My name is Ken Kasalis and I live in Concord, CA. I grew up in Queens, NY and spent two summers at Salesian Camp in Goshen, NY - 1959 and 1960. They were wonderful weeks, and although I was often homesick for my Mom, those days are crystal clear in my thoughts.
What a beautiful property that was. It is very sad to see some recent photos. I almost wish I had not seen them. But that does not change my memories. My photo collection shines bright today.
One of my most cherished possessions is a little holy card of Sancti Joannis Bosco with a tiny patch of relic on the bottom, some brown cloth. And on the back is written: A little remembrance of your promotion to the Senior Altar Boys Club, Salesian Camp, Goshen. New York. August 16, 1960.
Bro. Frank Wolfram, SDB moderator. That card sits in a frame, standing on my desk.
I was so proud to have learned my Latin. and memorized the gestures and movements required of an altar boy. My first mass was in the camp chapel, and I still remember looking out the back doors, wide open to the magnificent grounds on a warm, August Sunday morning, sitting on the side while the priest gave his sermon. I most likely did not thank Bro. Frank enough for helping me achieve all that. I only wish I had contacted him sooner.
He obviously had a wonderful, accomplished life, and I enjoyed reading all about him.
Fr. Mike, I hope perhaps you can forward my email to any member of Fr. Frank’s family. I would like them to know just how widespread Fr. Frank’s goodness is still felt. And how fondly he is remembered.
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