Frank Robert Borchardt (82) of Bayville, New York passed away peacefully on October 25, 2024 after a long life characterized by generosity and devotion.
Frank was born on May 19, 1942 in New York City. He was the younger son of Paul R. Borchardt and Anna Maria Borchardt (née Moll), who with Frank's older brother Heinz R. Borchardt, had fled Germany during the mid 1930s. Frank grew up in the Bronx, where he went to grammar school, high school, and eventually to Fordham University. Frank would maintain his connection with Fordham and the Bronx for the next 50 years. Frank received his bachelor degree from Fordham in the 60s. He went on to earn a host of master degrees, professional diplomas, and finally a Doctor of Ministry degree. Frank's devotion to Fordham stretched beyond the classroom and into his professional life. For more than 40 years Frank worked as both faculty and administrator at Fordham University. A nearly constant presence on the Rose Hill campus, Frank could be spotted walking along the winding paths, feeding squirrels, and worshipping in any number of the university's chapels.
It is no wonder that Frank was so frequently spotted in the chapels. His devotion to the Catholic church exceeded even his commitment to Fordham. From his youth onward, he attended Catholic schools. For decades he attended daily mass, never missing a day. Frank could not be separated from the church. From his 50s onward, an increasing amount of Frank's life was spent in the service of the church. At his home parish of St. Patrick in Glen Cove, New York, he served as eucharistic minister, then lector, and finally permanent deacon, an office to which he was ordained in 2001. In his role as deacon, he of course frequently read the gospel at mass, and preached homilies. But, he had a special calling to serve the parish's elderly members, ensuring that they were looked after by the church. Frank performed countless baptisms and weddings for the St. Patrick community. In addition to helping the parish celebrate and mourn as a community, Deacon Frank, as he came to be known, was also the celebrant at many of his own family's special occasions. He was a concelebrant in the wedding of his oldest son, Francis and his daughter-in-law Nele. He baptized his granddaughters, Alexandra and Sophia. And he buried his grandson Erasmus who had died in childbirth.
These moments allowed him to serve the church and his family at the same time. They were especially meaningful to him because of the great value he had for his family. While studying abroad in Germany, he met Gertrud (née Gorissen). Not long after, they married. They remained together for two decades. Although they later separated, along the way, they had two sons, Francis and Lawrence. Frank was deeply invested in his sons' upbringing and education. He always made sure that they had everything they needed to do their best. Alongside Gertrud, with whom he maintained a close relationship throughout his life, Frank ensured that Francis and Lawrence had every opportunity to pursue and achieve their dreams. Frank's commitment to his family extended to his granddaughters, Alexandra and Sophia. Even though they always lived a continent away, they knew their Opa well, and loved him. His family survives him.
Opa, old boy, the Deacon, Frank. Whatever you called him, you knew him for his devotion, his willingness to help, and his dry sense of humor. We loved him, and he will be missed.
The Funeral Mass will be held at St Patrick Church in Glen Cove, New York at 10 am on Thursday October 31. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children's Hospital in his memory.