Frank Farago

CLIFTON PARK – Frank Farago, of Clifton Park, passed away on Tuesday, November 1, 2005 at the age of 79. He was born in Romania on July 20, 1926, the son of the late Ludwig and Frida Farago. Like his father, who was also a music teacher, Frank studied music, which became his life. Frank survived the difficult years of World War II and dreamed of coming to America. Leaving Romania was not allowed, so he escaped by foot at night, walking over the border (a very daring trip!) and luckily making it to Hungary. This transition was smooth because ethnically, he was Hungarian. Later, he managed to go to Italy. Italy was the only country willing to issue a temporary visa to someone coming from behind the "iron curtain." In Italy he was recognized as a political refugee and he studied music in Rome. When the Korean War started, his application to come to the United States was swiftly processed and he arrived in New York City in September, 1950. Frank's first job was a messenger boy. He then served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps. After he was honorably discharged, he attended college. He earned one bachelor's degree and three master's degrees, with music as the major field. Frank played the violin in various symphony orchestras. He was a music teacher in the Long Island Public School System and also played the organ in a temple in Roslyn, NY. After completing a career with the NY Public School System, he retired to Florida. In Florida, Frank was the concert master of an orchestra in Ft. Myers. After a few years in Florida, he moved to Clifton Park where he continued to be a church organist and a music teacher. Frank is survived by his wife, Colleen and their three children, Ronald, Priscilla and Eric and two grandchildren, Thomas and Katheryn. Also surviving are two older brothers and one niece. Frank lived a very good, full, fun and challenging life. He so very much loved life. He was very dedicated to his family and very loyal to his employers. Everyone who knew him genuinely loved him.
Funeral services will be Thursday at 12:00 p.m. at New Comer-Cannon Family Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie (Rt. 155-south of Central Ave). Calling hours will precede the service from 10:00 to 12:00 at the funeral home. Interment will be in the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery.