FLORENCE-Frank Stiebel returned to the planet from which he came on May 7th of 2024 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. In his last weeks, Frank was able to be at home, peaceful and surrounded by friends and family who loved him very much.
While his physical body is gone, we are reminded how expansive our universe is and his continued presence in other ways.
Frank was born November 8th 1957 in Gottingen, Germany, and moved to Massachusetts in 1981 to attend Hampshire College’s architecture and design program. In 1988, Frank had a daughter, Ellie, and made Northampton, Mass his permanent home. Frank established and grew the U.S. division of Stiebel Eltron, a family-owned manufacturing company based in Germany. He also built and managed many local properties with a special emphasis on energy efficiency and sustainability. He employed nearly 50 staff whom he trusted and loved, many of whom worked with him for many years.
Frank was quirky, thoughtful, and philanthropic, with a dry but hilarious sense of humor. He embodied an interesting mix of business professionalism and down to earth practicality. For those lucky enough to know Frank, he left lives he touched for the better. He was passionate about zeppelins, alternative energy, sci-fi, psychedelic music and most importantly believed in aliens.
Frank will be profoundly missed by his many friends, staff and loving family. He is survived by his brother Ulrich and wife Inge and their three children Kai, Fabian and Andrea. His loving sister Angelika and her two daughters Simona and Georgina. His former spouse Alice, mother of Ellie, who showed up with support and compassion throughout his illness. His darling partner of many years Eva. Most of all his devoted daughter Ellie and one of her dogs Penny, with whom he had a very special connection. He was preceded in death by his mother Margret and father Theodor.
The family would like to give a special thank you to the Cooley Cancer Center and Cooley Hospice Care and all their brilliant nurses.
A Celebration of life/memory and sharing will be held on Friday May 24th starting at 1:00 p.m. at the Dow Pavilion at Look Park, 300 North Main Street, Florence, MA. 0062. Food and beverages will be provided. (***Please mention that you are there for “Frank’s Memorial” at the gate to comp the $5 vehicle entrance fee (Military I.D. & handicap placard free entry).
Donations in Frank’s memory may be made to the Care Center of Holyoke at
https://carecenterholyoke.org/in-memory/