Brian P. Franck
LEWISTON – Brian P. Franck, 70, of Auburn, died at Central Maine Medical Center late Sunday afternoon March 6, 2022, with loving family at his side. He was born in Lewiston on July 28, 1951, a son of the late Lester and Helen (Kervin) Franck.
Brian grew up in Auburn, was educated at St. Joseph’s School in Lewiston and then in Auburn at Edward Little High School, where he graduated in 1969.
Brian’s higher education in music included his bachelor’s degree from Sherwood Music School in Chicago, master’s degree from Northwestern University, and his Doctor of Arts from the University of Michigan. While completing his doctoral program, Brian performed in numerous concerts around the country before accepting the position of organist at St. John’s Catholic Church in Bangor.
Brian served as organist throughout his career at several churches in Maine including Holy Cross Church in South Portland, South Freeport Congregational Church, and St. John’s of Winslow, among others. Brian founded and directed the LA Childrens’ Chorus for several years, enabling local children to realize a unique classical music education, some of whom went on to continue in musical careers. A high point in Brian’s career was coordinating the 1981 Organ Historical Society convention here in the state of Maine, at which, some 200 organ buffs came from around the country to visit, tour and see several nineteenth century pipe organs. They traveled around the state for a week of exceptional demonstrations, recitals and concerts. Additionally, Brian was featured on National Public Radio’s “Pipe Dreams”, that used to showcase pipe organists from around the country.
Eventually, a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis would cut his career short. But even when he could no longer perform, Brian would attend others’ concerts, and traveled several times to New York City for Metropolitan Operas. Brian also hosted concerts here in Maine with internationally known organists such as Karel Paukert from the former Czechoslovakia and Elena Udras of Odessa, Ukraine.
Brian felt fortunate to count as mentors and friends, the late Bernard Piche, and Scott Vaillancourt, current organist for the Basilica of Ss. Peter and Paul, and the late great Giulio Favario, music coach to Luciano Pavarotti.
In the later years of his life, Brian traveled extensively to Ukraine to teach music and was part of a Summer program to teach English to children. He felt blessed by their families’ loving spirit and hospitality and also for the many friends he leaves behind there. Brian also loved to spend time with his family at their summer cottage at Sabbath Day Lake in New Gloucester.
He was a loving, devoted and hardworking son, brother and uncle who will be greatly missed.
Brian leaves behind his two sisters, Kathleen Hammond of Auburn and Karen Hodgson and husband Al of Garden Grove, Calif.; his brother, Stephen Franck of Sacramento, Calif.; two nephews, Douglas Hammond and his daughter Lily of Auburn; and Matthew Hammond his family Danielle and their daughter Ava of Buckfield; his aunt, Elaine Snow of Winslow; and several cousins.
He was predeceased by his parents; aunts, uncles; and many cousins.
At Brian’s prior request, there are no funeral services scheduled at this time.
A service of The Fortin Group Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 217 Turner St. Auburn, 783-8545.
Those wishing may make donations in his memory to The National Multiple Sclerosis Society-Greater New England at http://www.nationalmssociety.org