Francis H. Bostock, Jr.
April 30, 1948 ~ October 10, 2022
Francis Hayward Bostock, Jr. (Frank) was born April 30, 1948 in New York City. As the eldest son of Francis, Sr. and Ethel Epps, he exhibited leadership qualities at an early age. His interest in music and arts was evident as he was a lover of music and with a mellifluous voice spent several years as a tenor in the Siloam Presbyterian Youth Chorale, as well as in the adult choir in Brooklyn, New York.
An avid learner, he attended and graduated Kingsborough Community College, Brooklyn University and the State University of New York in Binghamton, New York with a degree in Anthropology.
Frank’s adventurous and exploratory nature led him to pursue an illustrious career with the government for over thirty years. This took him across many countries on the African continent and to the island of Mauritius.
Frank married Patricia Turner in 1972. Two daughters, Kimberly Brooke and Lauren Nicole were born from this union. A widower at a young age, he remarried Cecily Wilson, a steadfast wife of over thirty years.
Frank was well known, liked and highly respected by his peers. His easy, comfortable demeanor and hearty sense of humor made him a joy to be around. He often had a witty word or funny story that would bring much laughter. Frank left a memorable impression on those he met. An eloquent conversationalist, his kindness and generosity will always be cherished. He will be remembered for his smile and laughter, always.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Francis H. Bostock, Sr. and his brother, Milton Conrad Bostock. His is survived by his daughters, Kimberly Brooke (Brian), Lauren Nicole (Brenden); his grandchildren, Patricia Leigh, Maya Amanda, Taylor Elizabeth, Cameron Francis, Kennedy Nicole and Kendall Jordyn; his brother, Kermit; a host of cousins and many friends.
An avid learner, he attended and graduated Kingsborough Community College, Brooklyn University and the State University of New York in Binghamton, New York with a degree in Anthropology.
Frank’s adventurous and exploratory nature led him to pursue an illustrious career with the government for over thirty years. This took him across many countries on the African continent and to the island of Mauritius.
Frank married Patricia Turner in 1972. Two daughters, Kimberly Brooke and Lauren Nicole were born from this union. A widower at a young age, he remarried Cecily Wilson, a steadfast wife of over thirty years.
Frank was well known, liked and highly respected by his peers. His easy, comfortable demeanor and hearty sense of humor made him a joy to be around. He often had a witty word or funny story that would bring much laughter. Frank left a memorable impression on those he met. An eloquent conversationalist, his kindness and generosity will always be cherished. He will be remembered for his smile and laughter, always.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Francis H. Bostock, Sr. and his brother, Milton Conrad Bostock. His is survived by his daughters, Kimberly Brooke (Brian), Lauren Nicole (Brenden); his grandchildren, Patricia Leigh, Maya Amanda, Taylor Elizabeth, Cameron Francis, Kennedy Nicole and Kendall Jordyn; his brother, Kermit; a host of cousins and many friends.
Frank was a fine man, an excellent officer and, when we were both younger, an effective point guard. It was my good fortune to know him. Rest in peace, old friend. –Richard Eric Pound
Warm condolences to Frank’s Family and friends. My deepest sympathy and loving thoughts to my dear friend Cecily. You always had kind and caring things to say about your husband Frank and about his daughters. You have been so loving and devoted. May your best memories bring you comfort through your time of grief. Rest in joy Frank.
Love and prayers, Nancy and Tom Bateman
The photo is from the 1950s on Belle Island in the Detroit River. Frankie his two brothers, Milton and Kermit are with cousins, Charles, Njoki ( Sandy) and Earl. The Bostocks came to Ypsilanti to visit family and we went to Detroit to see our Great Aunts and Uncles.
I only spent time with Frank once at a Christmas party with our NDA girlfriends He was a delightful conversationist and had a great sense of humor Love and prayers for my friend Cecily
Cousin Frankie,
I remember your visits to us in Kenya back in the day. My mom just reminded me of one visit when you brought Lauren and Brooke along with Cecily.
Another memory…during her master’s I remember meeting you, Pat and Brooke for the first time. Well a picture in my mom’s basement helps this memory as I was only 2 🙂 I see the picture now…
My mom reminded me of a cute story around our first meeting: Pat bought me several little sun suits and dresses and because Brooke was out of diapers I decided I wanted to be done too. Like Brooke, who is only a month older than me, I too wanted to wear the matching panties to my sun suits and dresses. Diapers became a thing of the past really quickly thereafter. In my mother’s words “Pat hooked me up!”
I remember your love for the French language that I now speak pretty fluently (and live in France) and you loved playing tennis if I recall correctly.
I remember admiring that your work took you on visit through Africa. I still dream to see most, if not all, of Africa one day.
You are missed! You are in us! You live on through us!
Love,
Wanjiru
Peace to Everyone:
We were saddened to learn of the passing of Francis (known to us as “Franky” ). I’d not seen him in many years. He was my cousin, and our days spent in each other’s company as when grew through childhood to adulthood, will always be cherished, fond memories of joy, and close family ties.
My heart felt condolences to the family.
Always,
Jamal (Wm) and Family.
22-10-19
I met ‘Uncle Frank,’ as he became known to my family and inner circle over twenty years ago. He was a guiding light, inspiration, and one of the best mentors I’ve encountered throughout my life. His brilliant smile and hearty laugh kept my spirits up in the most challenging of times, while his steady gaze (that look of ‘time to get down to business’) kept me grounded and focused. He was a staunch ally, inspired the best version of me, and became a good friend.
To Frank’s children, I’m sorry for your loss and hope you are comforted at knowing how much he was was loved and respected and how much he loved you both. Thank you for sharing you father with me and so many others who relied on his guidance, advice, and support. I appreciate that his unwavering support of and service to others, meant less time for you. We are grateful for you.
Lastly, I’m saddened at my failure to stay in touch with him over the years and hope he knew what a positive impact he has had on my life. I and We will miss you Uncle Frank.
With Love, Appreciation, and Gratitude-Tony
Photo: Marine Corps Ball, Nov 2002.
The Copson family knew Frank for 44 years, first as our neighbor the weekend we moved to Reston., then as a friend for life. We were all newcomers to our new townhouses who shared our love of family and our interests in Africa. That was only the start of a friendship that lasted over the years and many geographical separations. But with Frank, it was natural to just pick up where we left off. Ray and I, daughters Marjorie and Elizabeth miss him deeply and daily. So many happy memories. Our hearts are with Cecily and the rest of the family he loved so much. With Love, Donna, Ray, Margie and Lizzie
Frank was a wonderful man, always friendly, always thoughtful & considerate of others — just a great guy. I knew him mainly through tennis, where we played in the same group, first at Williamsburg Inn a decade or so ago & more recently at William & Mary College’s indoor courts. My wife also knew him through tennis, & we both met Cecily some time ago. Whenever I saw him, Frank asked about my wife & our aging dog, who used to come to tennis with us. I last talked to Frank by phone early this year, & he told me about his dire prognosis. Although we would not wish him to suffer, we are so sorry to hear he is now gone from a world that he brightened with his presence.. Our deepest condolences to Cecily & to the rest of his family.
Eric & Joan Van Chantfort
Williamsburg, VA
I was saddened to learn today of Frank’s passing last month.
He was one of my “teachers” in Williamsburg in 2001, when I remember him telling me: “You’re gonna have fun.” I did, and I learned a lot, too, thanks to Frank’s leadership.
I later had the privilege of teaching alongside him around 2007 when he drove around in his “Z4FRANK”. Such a cool guy. And an inspiration.
We need more guys like Frank.