ALBANY – Frank T. Hammer, 76, of Avila Retirement Community, passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 1st, 2021. Born in Gulfport, Mississippi on July 3rd, 1945, he graduated from Florida State University and received his PhD in Chemistry from the University of Michigan. He lived most of his adult life in Chelsea, Michigan working as an environmental toxicologist for the National Sanitation Foundation and Underwriters’ Laboratories. Frank spent countless hours on a wide variety of major home renovations and on his lifelong passion, fixing and driving German automobiles and motorcycles. He measurably improved his community through three decades of public service on the city council, and loved his family more than words can express.
He leaves behind his Wife of 54 years, Elizabeth Elam Hammer; his children, Erich, Mercedes, Garth and Katrina; their spouses; his four grandchildren; three siblings and many, many friends. His massive frame, raucous laugh and friendly respect toward everyone he met will be sorely missed by many. Memorial donations may be made to The Union of Concerned Scientists, The ALS Association, and The Nature Conservancy. Services will be held privately. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hans Funeral Home, Albany. To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit HansFuneralHome.com.
Here is a video tribute to Frank:
Marilyn Jachalke
First we were neighbors and then friends for more than forty years. His large presence, big heart, wide smile, hearty laugh, great love for family, and strong opinions leave a big void.
We hope for peace and comfort for his family and friends. We were lucky to know Frank Hammer.
Anne Boehm
My condolences to Elizabeth and the entire Hammer family on the passing of Frank. What a gentleman he was to someone he met in recent years while visiting NYS. It was a honor and a pleasure to break bread with him at Thanksgiving dinner. We laughed and share stories which was just wonderful and I knew he was a man like his son Erich who embraced life to the fullest. May the memories he brought to everyone comfort at this time. Regards, Anne
Rebecca Harrison
So sad to hear of Frank’s passing. You are all in my thoughts. I will miss his smile and laughter at Thanksgiving.
Ed and Nora Olmstead
Frank was a great guy and he and his wonderful laugh will be greatly missed by us and everyone who knew him. We are so very sorry that he has passed. Love hugs and Prayers , Ed and Nora Olmstead
Jack and Yvonne Olmstead
So very sorry for your loss. We always enjoyed our time with him at those famous 4th of July celebrations!
Jim Drolett
Elizabeth, I am so sorry to hear about Frank’s passing. He was my favorite guy in Chelsea. My condolences to your entire family.
Jeanne Bosio
Frank was a wonderful man who regarded family and community as priorities. His easy going nature, warm smile, and hearty laugh made everyone at ease in his presence. He touched many lives and will be missed. It’s my hope that all the wonderful memories he left with family and friends will help sustain them now in their time of grief.
Barb and Gabe Cherem
This video tribute brought a tear as it’s such an evolution of a family man. So sorrowful to hear of Frank’s passing, but what a peaceful end to a vibrant guy. Such a family and community oriented man; I can still hear his laugh and kidding at the CFUM church in Chelsea. Elizabeth, may you receive solace and peace over time. Love and comfort to the entire family.
Barb and Gabe Cherem
Paul & Kathy Frisinger
Frank was a true public servant who was able to listen to all opinions and then put a coalition together to provide for everyone’s benefit.
Suzy Morse
Elizabeth, thinking of you and your family in this time of loss. My hopes for healing and warming memories.
Suzy Morse
Elizabeth, my thoughts are with you in this time of loss. My hopes for healing and warm memories.
John Deikis & Carol Blotter
Sometimes in error, never in doubt.
We will miss our dear neighbor and friend, gourmet cook, and John’s motorcycle traveling companion of many years.
Hope to see you down the road.
Lisa Garypie
Frank was one of the first people I ever became friends with in Chelsea when I moved here 22 years ago. Since I was a frequent business traveler, he would drive me on countless journey’s to the airport. Throughout the years my entire family grew to admire, respect, and adore Frank as much as I did. Godspeed Frank and many blessings and prayers to your beautiful wife and family.
Marijo Grogan
Dear Elizabeth and Family,
It was with shock and sorrow that I read of Frank’s passing. Watching the video
and reading the obituary that highlighted important moments in his life leaves
me feeling humbled to have known, even in a small way, such a luminary in our
community of Chelsea. Frank’s memory will live on in all of the great causes he
inspired and supported. My thoughts are with you at this time. Sincerely,
Marijo Grogan
Lorena Burke
The opportunity to see the highlights of Frank’s life in the video montage is a gift I find a blessing. (But it’s missing a picture on his motorcycle!). Since my connection is through being a colleague and friend to Elizabeth, it is a gift to see him through the perspective of others. I see a life well lived, an embodiment of dedication to the betterment of humanity through service to community and devotion to family; that is the legacy of his time here. I know you will all miss him greatly, and his big laugh resonates in my head whenever it is mentioned. May your memories hold you as you walk this next chapter of life after Frank. May you continue to be inspired with his love.
Judith Bonini, IHM
Dear Elizabeth,
Tori informed me of your terrible loss. My prayer and care for you and your precious family.
God will never leave you.
Judith
Douglas Frederick
Dear Elizabeth and Family,
Ann Marie Gebhart had informed me of your terrible loss. Frank and I had worked at UL together for over 15 years. During that time he was a mentor and a friend to me . He will be missed.
From me and the rest of UL please accept our condolences.
Douglas Frederick
Jeff Hebenstreit
I recently heard about Frank’s passing, I’m so sorry to hear about this and pass along my condolences to Elizabeth and the Family.
I met Frank at UL and worked with him for several years. He was a great mentor to me and I learned a tremendous amount from him. I enjoyed working with him and equally enjoyed spending time with him outside of work. We shared some great times and conversations together talking about Fjord green, cars, our children, science, food, his garage, or the paint for his house, and more.
Whether it be sharing a meal together or just grabbing a beer, he was always a pleasure to be around and have some laughs with. And ohhhhh…….that deep bellowing laugh, how I will miss that one of a kind laugh. I can still hear it now.
You are missed my friend,
Jeff Hebenstreit
Rochelle D Martinez
Dear Elizabeth, Erich, Garth, Mercedes and Katrina,
I am so terribly sorry to read of the loss of your beloved husband and father. Frank always took time to offer kind, helpful thoughts and insert his humor into many situations.
My heart is with you during this difficult time.
Fondy,
Rochelle Martinez
Ashli
My deepest condolences to you and your family.
I only knew Frank for about 10 years, but I wanted to let you know what a great influence he was in my life and I am forever grateful to have had the chance to be a recipient of his wisdom, hilarious sarcasm, and life stories. I have always had the utmost respect for Frank, and his influence will remain prevalent in my life.
I wish you all peace during this time.
Ron Watkins
Just heard of Frank’s passing from John Deikis. Always considered Frank a brother. Had many great times on motorcycle trips over the years.
We used Hyper-Lites as an excuse to see the country from BMW Rally sites. I’d sell ’em and he’d install ’em. Usually struggled to break even but we didn’t care.
Frank was also my science guy. I’d call him with a question, usually “is this stuff true?” He always had a succinct , cogent answer that he worked hard to reduce to my distinctly unscientific level without being condecending.
He will be missed.
Mikel E STIERS
Alot of interesting people have passed through the restaurant but none unlike Frank and his wonderful wife Elizabeth. His presence always made us smile and the wisdom and knowledge he brought to me personally will be missed beyond words. Annette and I send our heartfelt condolences to the entire family and will always remember the times we had and the fun he carried into Main Street Coney.
Theresa and Tim Merkel
Dear Elizabeth and Family,
Somehow, Tim found out about Frank’s death and shared it with me. My heart aches for you with this loss. You were one of our favorite couples while at the U of M. It brings a smile to my face when I recall David and Michele referring to Frank as Big Frank. And OH, that love of cars which he never lost.
The video was lovely. It left me wondering how you got from Chelsea to Albany? Next summer we plan to go to Ann Arbor just for memories of the University and Tim’s graduation 50 years ago. You were on our “to see list”.
Know that we remember both of you fondly. May you find solace in remembering a life well-lived with joy!
Theresa and Tim Merkel