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2023 SESSION


SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 404
Celebrating the life of Joe Samuel Frank.

 

Agreed to by the Senate, February 22, 2023
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 23, 2023

 

WHEREAS, Joe Samuel Frank, an esteemed attorney and public servant who was the longest serving mayor in the history of Newport News and a key figure in the city’s growth over the past several decades, died on October 27, 2022; and

WHEREAS, Joe Frank was a lifelong resident of Newport News; in his early years, he graduated from the former Newport News High School, became president of the Young Leadership Council of the local Jewish community, and achieved the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America; and

WHEREAS, after earning a bachelor’s degree and juris doctor degree from the University of Virginia in 1964 and 1967, respectively, Joe Frank embarked upon his legal career as an intern at the firm of Battle, Neal, Harris, Minor and Williams and ultimately became a partner at the firm of David, Kamp and Frank; and

WHEREAS, Joe Frank admirably represented businesses, individuals, public bodies and agencies, and a variety of charitable, nonprofit, public service, and cultural arts organizations over his more than a half century practicing law, touching on a broad range of legal matters, including insurance defense, eminent domain, personal injury, medical malpractice, estate planning, business entity formation, and more; and

WHEREAS, for many years, Joe Frank honorably served his country and the Commonwealth as a member of the Virginia Army National Guard, which awarded him the Bronze Star Medal for his service; and

WHEREAS, cultivating an interest in politics and public policy from a young age, Joe Frank would go on to chair his local chapter of the Democratic Party and to serve on the Newport News City Council from 1988 to 2010, including two terms as vice mayor and 14 years as the city’s first directly elected mayor; and

WHEREAS, approaching public service with great honor, integrity, and devotion, Joe Frank’s efforts proved vital to the economic success of Newport News, as several important objectives, such as the development of City Center, the protection of Fort Eustis, and the development of the Applied Research Center adjacent to the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, were fulfilled during his tenure; and

WHEREAS, following his career as a public servant, Joe Frank remained highly involved with many projects and organizations dedicated to the betterment and growth of Newport News, including Christopher Newport University, where he served as a member of the Campaign Executive Council and facilitated the creation of the Bertram and Gladys Aaron Endowed Professorship in Jewish Studies; and

WHEREAS, Joe Frank was the recipient of various accolades over the years in recognition of his service to the community; in 2009, he received the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award from the Boy Scouts of America and, in 2022, Christopher Newport University dedicated the Jane Susan and Joe Frank Atrium at the Ferguson Center for the Arts in his and his wife’s honor; and

WHEREAS, predeceased by his loving wife of 47 years, Jane Susan, Joe Frank will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his children, Shelly Ann, Melissa, and Jason, and their families; and by numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of Joe Samuel Frank, a beloved member of the Newport News community whose accomplishments as an attorney and public servant will continue to benefit countless individuals for generations to come; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Joe Samuel Frank as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his memory.