Frank M. Hoak III, Captain, USN (Ret.)

Frank Murdock Hoak III, Captain, USN (Ret), passed away unexpectedly in the early hours of Dec. 30, 2018.

Frank was born in San Pedro, Calif. to Frank M. Hoak, Jr. and Edna Biggi Hoak on Oct. 12, 1937. He came from a strong Navy background, his father, Frank Jr, served on the USS Pennsylvania (1941) Pearl Harbor and worked WWII at the Naval Fleet Intelligence Center Pearl Harbor under Admiral Chester Nimitz.

He is survived by his wife, Leonore Hoak; his daughter, Holly Hoak and her fiancé, Christopher Hutchinson; sister-in-law, Paula Ralston, many loving family members and many wonderful caring friends.

Raised in Hawaii, Frank was a child survivor of the attack on Pearl Harbor, Dec. 7, 1941. When his father was transferred back to the mainland after the end of WWII, Frank attended schools across the United States before returning to Hawaii for high school. He attended the University of Hawaii and graduated from San Jose State College with a degree in journalism; he later became an award-winning author and photographer. During his time at SJSC he was a member of Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity.

He joined the U. S. Navy as an E-1 in 1955 and retired as captain after 28 years of active/reserve service. His service at NAS Alameda, NAS North Island, NAS Belle Chasse, La, NAS Lakehurst, N.J., NAS Willow Grove, Pa. included Carrier Air Group 21 and Attack Squadron 216, A10 CVG 21, USS Lexington, USS Hancock, Vietnam – OPERATION HOMECOMING for returning POW’s; he ended his career as the Commanding Officer of Fleet Intelligence Rapid Support Team 0593.

He attended Naval Intelligence School and the National Defense University in Washington, D.C., as well as the Naval War College in Newport, R.I.

He joined Shell Oil Co in their marketing department for 12 years in San Francisco, San Diego, Houston and New York. After his Shell career he opened Around the World Travel in New Canaan, Conn., traveled to 222 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran and North Korea, and all seven continents. Visiting people and places around the world brought him great joy and satisfaction. He was a CT ASTA President, Chairman of the ASTA Global Convention in Bangkok; Advisory Travel Board member with American Express, Avis and ASTA.

Frank was a well-known naval postal historian; his personal collection is well known and admired. He had many published articles and won numerous awards.

He was a lifetime member of the American Philatelic Society and the Universal Ship Cancellation Society, where he also served as a past president.

Frank was a proud member of the American Legion, VFW, Military Officers Association of America and Masonic Lodge #43 Scottsdale.

A Celebration of His Life will be held Friday, Jan. 11 at 10 a.m. at Messinger’s Funeral Home, Fountain Hills.

Captain Hoak will be interred with military honors at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl) in Honolulu, Hawaii.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to a veteran organization of your choice.