NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Longtime former Newport News Mayor Joe Frank has passed away. The city clerk's office confirmed the news on Thursday.
Frank served four terms as mayor from 1996 until his retirement in 2010. The Newport News native became the first directly-elected mayor in the city's history. Before that, he served two terms as vice mayor.
Frank was also a partner at the law firm David, Kamp & Frank.
In 2019, the city unveiled a plaque honoring Frank's service on the bridge over The Mariners' Lake on Warwick Boulevard. This past May, the Ferguson Center for the Arts named its atrium after Frank and his late wife, Jane Susan.
Frank was 79 years old.
U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott (D, VA-03) issued the following statement on Frank's passing:
“I am very saddened to learn of the passing former Newport News Mayor Joe Frank. Joe was a pillar of our community and devoted his life and career to serving the citizens of Newport News. During his 14-year tenure as mayor, Joe helped transform our city through the development of City Center. He was instrumental in encouraging major businesses to expand in the city, and was a leading advocate in protecting key government and military assets, including Fort Eustis and Jefferson Lab. Joe’s positive influence and impact on Newport News can still be felt in every corner of the city. I will greatly miss his friendship and counsel. I send my condolences to Joe’s family, his many friends and supporters, and everyone positively impacted by his life.”