A longtime Evanston resident and professor emeritus at the Illinois Institute of Technology, Maurice J. (“Jerry”) Frank Jr. died in Evanston on Feb. 13.
Frank was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, where he attended Central High School.
He pursued his love of mathematics while attending the University of Chicago where he was fortunate enough to fall in love with both his future wife Pat and the city he’d call home.
He continued his education at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago where he received a master’s degree in science and a doctorate degree in mathematics.
After teaching at University of Massachusetts-Amherst and University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Frank was thrilled to return to his alma mater and favorite city to become a professor at IIT.
While there, his tenure included inspired teaching, authoring publications, international speaking engagements and a time as department chair. His areas of expertise are listed on the IIT website as: “Functional equations, associativity and related equations, iterative equations and systems; probability distribution theory, probabilistic geometry; iteration, nonlinear dynamics.”
Frank had a fierce wit and incredible sense of humor. He could recall any piece of presidential trivia (or any trivia for that matter), beat even the best wordsmith in a game of Scrabble and rarely was stumped by a crossword puzzle.
In his estimation, there was no better night than one spent at his beloved Lyric Opera of Chicago, no better sporting event than a professional hockey game, and no better way to finish out the day than with a pour of expensive bourbon.
Frank loved classical music and he and Pat were proud sponsors of many emerging performers at the Lyric Opera.
An avid traveler, Frank was lucky to be able to explore the world. Whether speaking at mathematics conferences or on vacation Frank made friends wherever he went and enjoyed the opportunity to enjoy local traditions, especially food.
He was truly one of the best fathers and grandfathers around – always available to kiss a grandchild under the chin or give a good-hearted tease, no matter the age.
Most of all, he cherished his beloved wife who had been his true equal partner for 52 years. He will be missed by all who had the pleasure to know him.
Frank was the devoted husband of Patricia Frank and the loving father to Beth (nee Palmquist) Silverstein (Ray) and Theo Frank. He was also the adoring grandfather to Leslie Abbyad (Xander), David Silverstein (Emma), and Jane Silverstein (Kai Squires).
There will be a private memorial service at a later date.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Ryan Opera Center at Lyric Opera in support of the emerging young artists program. For more information, please contact Donnellan Funeral home or call 847-675-1990.
This obituary for my father sadly refers to him as “Frank” when his name is Jerry. Your editor and proofreader should have caught this mistake. What a shame that such a wonderful man is not acknowledged with is rightful name.
I am very sorry for you loss Ms. Silverstein. The obituary refers to your father by his last name as per AP style.