Virginia Beach—On July 27, 2012, Daniel E. Frank, formerly of Washington, D.C. and Olney, Md., passed away peacefully in Virginia Beach, Va.
Dan is survived by Rita, his soul mate of 47 years, his devoted children, Abe Frank of Seattle, Wash. and Ilene Topper (husband Larry), and his grandson, Laurence, of Sewickley, Pa. whom he cherished. He is also survived by his two brothers, Ronald (wife, Twyla) of Vienna, Va., and Leo (wife, Dianne) of Portland, Or. as well as his many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Eleanore Frank.
Dan was born and raised in Washington, D.C. where from his earliest days he demonstrated that his role in life would be as someone who enjoyed seeking out and solving problems for everyone including his teachers, family, and friends and always without any desire for reward or recognition. He earned his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering at Drexel Institute of Technology in 1963 and his Ph.D. from the Moore School of Electrical Engineering at the University of Pennsylvania in 1971. His career as a civilian scientist working for the Navy, Army, Postal Service, and Office of Law Enforcement Standards in Gaithersburg, Md. was long and distinguished. He believed his most important accomplishment was a series of standards for police protective equipment, which has been credited with saving the lives of officers throughout the United States. Dan was also a sworn Special Deputy U.S. Marshal until his retirement in 1995.
In 1968 Dan was introduced to the art of Ki Aikido. Dan rose to the rank of 7th Degree Black Belt in Ki Aikido and full lecturer in Ki Development. He lived his life based on the philosophy and discipline of his art. In the 1970’s he started his own dojo in Maryland and his students continue in his footsteps to this day.
In retirement, Dan became “Dr. Dan” starting a small business that included blacksmithing, locksmithing, and repair shop services. During this period he also became a member of the Tidewater Blacksmith’s Guild and became so proficient in blacksmithing that he was invited to teach that subject to undergraduates in the Fine Arts Department of Old Dominion University. He continued as a teacher up until his passing.
Dan always believed in, protected and supported those for whom he was responsible. He has left his family, friends and students a legacy of someone who lived his life with integrity and honor.
A funeral service was held at Hines- Rinaldi Funeral Home in Silver Spring, Md. Burial was at Judean Memorial Gardens in Olney, Md. Memorial contributions in his name to the American Cancer Society; Congregation Beth Chaverim 3820 Stoneshore Drive, Virginia Beach, Va. 23452; or to a favorite charity. Arrangements by Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home, Inc. under Jewish Funeral Practices Committee of Greater Washington contract.