Final Patrol: Howard H. Fronk

Howard H. (Howie) Fronk, 87, passed away Saturday, August 21, 2021, at the Glendale Home. Born December 10 1933, the son of the late Howard L. and Elizabeth (Kamen) Fronk. Howie graduated from Christian Brothers Academy, Albany, New York where he was a standout member of the football and track teams as well as the regimental band. He graduated from Manhattan College where he was a member of the varsity swimming team. While at Manhattan he became a member of Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity, Alpha Eta Chapter. He participated in the AFROTCC program becoming a charter member of the National Society of Pershing Rifles Company "H" eighth Regiment and solo trumpet player in the AFROTC band. 

In 1955, he married his best friend and love of his life whom he met in 7th grade, Rosemary. He worked for the family business, Cornell Lumber and Building. He was an active in the former Mayfair-Burnt Hills Kiwanis Club rising to the position of president. In 1962, he enlisted in the New York State Police rising to the rank of Investigator. He was given various assignments throughout his career but became most known for his proficiency in vehicle theft investigation. He is a life member and Past President of the Northeast Regional Chapter of the International Association of Auto Theft Investigators and a member and past member of the board of directors of the International Association of Auto Theft Investigators. During his career with the State Police he was the recipient of numerous Superintendents commendations. 

Following retirement from the State Police he took a position with The Travelers Insurance Company in Ft. Lauderdale, FL engaging in the investigation of fraudulent insurance claims. He later accepted a position as Manager of Security with General Electric Capital Auto Auctions. From there, he returned to Schenectady for a position with The Travelers Insurance Company Managed Care Health Care group conducting numerous successful health care fraudulent insurance investigations. He subsequently accepted a position with the American International Group (AIG) conducting successful insurance investigations. He was a member of the Association of Former New York State Troopers; New York State Troopers PBA; American Association of State Troopers; Retired Troopers Association; and Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. 

He looked forward to spending time with his family on their boat on Lake George. He was an outdoor enthusiast, enjoying both boating and golfing in the summer and snowmobiling in winter months. He was a former member of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 15-1 Vice Commander and a certified NYS snowmobile safety instructor. He was an avid sports fan of the New York Yankees and his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers. 

Howard is survived by his wife, of 66 years, Rosemary; children, Matthew (Donna) Fronk of Honeoye Falls, NY; John (Mary Pat) Fronk of Apex, NC, and Patricia Fronk of Glenville, NY; grandchildren, Brian (Theresa) Fronk, Kellie (Aaron) Fraver; Lindsey Fronk, Thomas, Robert (Ashley), and Emily Fronk; as well as great grandchildren Robert and Patrick Fraver, Daphne, Benjamin, and Madelyn Fronk. 

Howard treasured his family, friends, and colleagues. He was a true gentlemen and loving husband, father and grandfather who will be sadly missed and always remembered by his family and friends. 

Howie’s family would like to thank all those at the Glendale Home especially the Dutch Hollow staff for the care, friendship, and love they gave to him and his family.