Robert McKinley Frank Jr.

Robert McKinley Frank, Jr.

Hampden - Robert McKinley Frank, Jr., 93, passed away peacefully at his home on July 1,

2026, with his family by his side.

Born on July 29, 1932, in Newark, NJ, Bob was the son of Robert McKinley Frank, Sr., and

Anna (Kovar) Frank. He shared a loving marriage with his wife, Dorothy (Philipp) Frank, and

together they built a life centered on family, service, and a deep appreciation for Maine's

forests.

Bob is survived by his devoted wife, Dorothy; his son, Robert Frank III and his wife, Michelle,

of Winterport; his daughter, Heidi (Frank) Patenaude and her husband, Sean, of Harvard,

Massachusetts; and his cherished grandchildren, Justin Patenaude, Madisson Frank, and

Alexander Frank. He is also survived by his "favorite"-niece, Judith Bravata.

Bob earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees in Forestry from Penn State University

(Mont Alto), completing his master's degree in 1956 with a focus on silvicultural research.

His passion for forestry led to a distinguished career with the United States Forest Service,

where he dedicated nearly four decades to the stewardship and study of America's forests

before retiring in 1995. Never one to slow down, he continued serving woodland owners

through his private forestry consulting practice. In recognition of his exceptional

professional contributions, he was named a Fellow of the Society of American Foresters in

1998.

Bob's lifelong love of the Maine woods first brought him to Aroostook County in 1957 and

later to Penobscot County, where he and Dorothy made their home and raised their family

for more than 60 years.

Among Bob's proudest accomplishments was helping secure the land and serving as a

founding force behind the Maine Forest and Logging Museum, located within the

Penobscot Experimental Forest. He believed deeply in preserving Maine's forestry heritage

for future generations, and he and Dorothy especially enjoyed attending the museum's

annual Living History Days, where they delighted in seeing history come alive for visitors of

all ages.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist

Church in Bangor.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob's memory may be made to the First Baptist Church, 56

Center Street, Bangor Maine, 04401

Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.