Franklin Robert Foss, remembered for his integrity, generosity, and steadfast convictions, died August 26th in Oakland, CA. He was 78 years old.

Born in Jersey City, NJ, Frank grew up in Verona, New Jersey, where he excelled in football and baseball at Verona High School. He later attended the University of Denver, where he is remembered as the sole voice questioning U.S. involvement in Vietnam in dorm meetings. After university, he served with VISTA in Gainesville, Florida, helping to establish a jail library for primarily African-American inmates.

Throughout his life, Frank was a tireless worker—from his early days in his father’s carpet store in Newark to selling high-end rugs at The Rug Warehouse in Manhattan, where he worked for decades. After it closed, he continued working as a highway signalman, cab driver, bookstore clerk, convenience store worker, social service greeter, and pizza delivery man. Friends remember Frank for his countless acts of generosity: offering rides…even across states, sharing the little money he had with those in need, and opening his home and heart without hesitation.

A gifted and thoughtful writer, he wrote short stories that reflected his sharp observations and wit, and he maintained long friendships through letters, emails, and texts. He was also known for his stubborn, curmudgeonly streak—tempered always by forgiveness, humility, and deep compassion. He drew inspiration from Viktor Frankl’s “Man’s Search for Meaning,” embracing its lessons of resilience and purpose.

Frank deeply loved his wife, June, with whom he lived in Cold Spring, NY until her passing. He will be remembered as hardworking, stubborn, generous, loyal, and a man of integrity—a “helluva man,” as one lifelong friend described him.

He is survived by his stepson Phil “Flip” Hubbard of Brooklyn, New York; his nieces Penny and Jenny Foss, and Cara Foss Arellano; and his great-nephews Max, Raul, and Frank.

In lieu of flowers, Frank requested that donations be made to the United Nations World Food Programme. UN World Food Programme (WFP) https://www.wfp.org/