Frank De Santis passed peacefully on June 10, 2026, after a long illness. Frank was born on January 15, 1935 in Maybrook, NY, the son of Joseph (Pepe) De Santis and Teresa De Santis. He spent a good part of his youth working in the family grocery store on Tower Avenue.

Frank graduated Valedictorian from Maybrook High School in 1952 and was very active in school sports. He then attended Alfred University where he graduated in 1956. While at Alfred, he stepped up to serve his country by earning his Commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army through the ROTC program. After graduation, his duty assignment was to the US Army base in Bamberg, Germany. It is there that he met the love of his life, Helga, married, started their family, and returned to Maybrook, NY.

Frank continued his military service in the National Guard and achieved the rank of Captain. He continued his education at SUNY New Paltz where he completed his coursework to receive his Teaching Certificate in 1962 and then his Master's Degree in Education graduating in 1964. He then began his work as a 5th grade school teacher for the Valley Central School District. First in Walden and then at Maybrook. He touched many people and had a huge impact on his students. To this day, former students frequently recall Mr. De Santis as their favorite teacher and credit him with having a lasting impact on their lives. Frank also had an income tax and investment  business for many years. His tax practice began in the days before computers, when he prepared returns with nothing more than a pencil, an eraser, and a commitment to helping his clients. 

Frank spent the majority of his life in Maybrook. In 1983, he and Helga purchased a beachfront home in Ponce Inlet, FL, where they split their time between Maybrook and Florida. For the past two years he has been a resident at The Gallery Assisted Living In Port Orange, FL. During his years at The Gallery Assisted Living in Port Orange, Frank continued to do what he had done throughout his life - build lasting relationships. The family is deeply grateful to the staff, residents, and fellow family members who provided friendship, care and compassion during his time there.

He always enjoyed sports and the outdoors including hunting and fishing, and the beach. Of all things, the most important was love and togetherness with his family and countless friends. His friends included lifelong friends from Maybrook, Army Buddies, The German Clique, the beach friends, and his Pal Buddy. "La Famiglia E Tutto" was one of his favorite things to say - In English - "The Family is Everything". He said it and he meant it.

Frank is survived y his wife of 68 years, Helga. Son Ronald and his wife Syliva. Son Mike and his wife Dawn, Grandchildren Jennifer, Stephanie, Michael and his wife Rachel, and Marinna and her husband Bobby, as well as Great Grandson August.

Frank was predeceased by his parents Pepe and Teresa, his brother Jimmy, and his sister Lucille.

It was a life well lived. May he rest in peace.

At the request of the family, services will be private.