Frank L. Blaakman, 90 years old, passed away on May 18th, 2023.
He was predeceased by his loving wife of 60 years, Riki, and many of his eleven siblings.
He is survived by his three children: Christiaan (Julie), Simone (Dirk) & Andre (Ragni); his grandchildren Gregory, Jacquee, Quinton, Quille, Devan and Milan; three great grandchildren; sister Anne (John); brothers Art, Emiel (Barbara) and Guido (Nora); many nieces and nephews and dear friends.
Frank was born February 2, 1933 to Constantinus and Maria Blaakman in Eindhoven, Netherlands. One of twelve children, Frank lived with his family in occupied Holland during WWII. After the war his family immigrated to the United States in 1949, where he then served in the United States Army Reserves in Panama with his twin brother John. When they returned to Rochester, he met Riki, also an immigrant from Eindhoven, who moved to Rochester in 1955. They fell in love and were married for 60 wonderful years.
Frank put himself through night school in the 60’s and graduated from RIT with a mechanical engineering degree. He worked for many years at Bausch & Lomb, Philips Electronics, Pfaudler, Ultrafab and other engineering firms Frank also worked as a general contractor, where he provided contracting work in plumbing, electrical, carpentry, and just about any home fix-it work, and also received his real estate license.
Frank loved to ski in his early years, and then swim and play golf in his later years. He enjoyed Buffalo Bills games, but his passion was soccer and would often attend local Lancers and Rhinos games with his family. He enjoyed going for walks with his beloved dogs, Tanya, Tasha and Abby, and relax at a campfire with a glass of wine.
Frank loved to laugh at all things, including himself, and had an unbounded passion for life. He made an impression on everyone, young or old, and was especially adept at warming up to anyone and striking up a conversation.
Frank, a.k.a. “Frans”, “Francois”, “Beepa”, will always hold a special place in our hearts, and we will miss him dearly.
Services will be kept private and for immediate family only.
Rest in peace, Frank.
I have fond memories of Frank hitting the soccer ball against the garage wall before going to work. He was a dynamic individual who lived life to the fullest. Rest in peace.