Frank George Joseph

Reflections of Frank’s Life

Frank George Joseph, affectionately known as “Chippy,” was born on October 10, 1929, in Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. He was the beloved son of the late Donald Archibald Joseph and Ethel De Shong, and was dearly loved by his late stepmother, Frances “Nenny” Joseph.

Frank lived by the simple, wise motto: "taking it easy, one day at a time" . This philosophy guided him through a life of remarkable change and strength. Frank received his education in St. Vincent and began his career as an electrician. While working at the St. Vincent Power Station, his career path notably shifted after a memorable encounter with a live wire, which gave him such a shock, he decided not to pursue a career as an electrician. Seeking new opportunities, he first moved briefly to Aruba, where he began his new trade as a mechanic. At the age of 26, he embarked on the next leg of his journey to England, further honing his skills in his chosen profession. His new life was quickly blessed with joy, as he soon learned he was to become a father to his first daughter Merlene. During his time in England, he eagerly explored the continent with a spirit of adventure, visiting Denmark, Belgium, Germany, Norway, Finland, Switzerland, and Holland.

In 1961, at the encouragement of his best friend, Stanley Quammie, Frank boarded the Queen Mary and journeyed to the United States to begin a new chapter of his life. In 1964, he married the love of his life, Veronica, and together they were blessed with three daughters, Ingelise, Lucinda and Nadine. A skilled mechanic by trade, he worked for RailRoad Express and Broden Leasing Company (Canada Dry). Frank was also a man of community and fraternity, belonging to the St. Vincent Cricket Club and holding the esteemed role of Worshiper Master at Star of Solomon Cloister Lodge #16. In his personal time, Frank had a quiet creative side, often sharing the amazing art pieces he loved to doodle and sketch with his children and grandchildren.

Frank was tall in stature, but he never used his height to intimidate others. He carried a gentle presence — a kind and peaceful soul.  Family was the cornerstone of his life, and he took great joy in surrounding himself with those he loved. His home was a place of welcome and warmth, where many found refuge during times of transition as they sought a place to call their own.  Sundays were especially cherished, when cousins and  friends would gather at his home to reminisce about their days in St. Vincent. Lively discussions would sometimes give way to spirited debates, and at the heart of it all sat Frank—quiet and observant, a calm presence amid the noise. Then, with perfect timing, he would offer a lighthearted remark that brought laughter to the room and restored harmony among his cousins and friends.

Frank was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Nadine Lynette Joseph, and his brother, Julian Lennox Joseph.

He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Veronica Joseph; his children, Merlene Leotaud, Ingelise Gordon (Alberto), and Lucinda O’Reilly (Matthew).

He is also survived by his brothers: Rudolph Joseph of Vancouver, Canada; Peter Allen (Avis) of Montreal, Canada; John Allen of Georgia, USA; George Allen of St. Vincent and the Grenadines; Michael “Mikey” Joseph of Montreal, Canada; Duggie “Nose” Joseph (Judith) of St. Vincent and the Grenadines; and Anthony Ballantyne (Cleopatra) of Georgia, USA.

His sisters include Beulah Providence of St. Vincent and the Grenadines; Lorna Morgan (Alfred) of New York, USA; and Audrey Brisbane of Montreal, Canada.

Frank’s legacy continues through his cherished grandchildren — Tai Leotaud, Kim Bryant (Andre), Xavier Roberts, and Tatiana Gordon — and his adored great-grandchildren, Ashton and Kelsey Bryant.

He will also be fondly remembered by a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends whose lives he touched with kindness, warmth, and humor.

Acknowledgement

We lost a great man, a gentle giant who can never be replaced. The loved ones of the late Frank Joseph would like to convey their heartfelt appreciation for the overwhelming kindness, support, and sympathy extended during this challenging time. Your generous presence, kind thoughts, and shared memories have provided comfort and strength to our family.

To everyone who sent flowers, messages, or joined us in celebrating Frank’s life, we extend our deepest thanks. Your empathy and care have uplifted our spirits and offered peace in a time of sorrow. Thank you for standing beside us and honoring his life. Your love and support are deeply cherished.

Death is Nothing

Death is nothing at all
I have only slipped away into the next room
I am I and you are you.
Whatever we were to each other
That we still are.

Call me by my old familiar name
Speak to me in the easy way which you always used
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.
Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes
We enjoyed together.

Play, smile, think of me, pray for me,
Let my name be ever the household word that
It always was.

Let it be spoken without effort,
Without the trace of a shadow on it.
Life means all that it ever meant
It is the same as it ever was
There is absolutely unbroken continuity.

Why should I be out of mind because I am
Out of sight? I am but waiting for you
For an interval
Somewhere very near
Just around the corner.
All is well.

Nothing is past; nothing is lost

One brief moment and all will be as it was before

How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting when we meet again!

Canon Henry Scott Holland (1847-1918)

Visitation

Monday, November 3, 2025

5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

O'Brien-Sheipe Funeral Home Inc.

640 Elmont Road

Elmont, NY 11003

Funeral Mass

Tuesday, November 4, 2025

11:00 AM

St. Boniface RC Church

631 Elmont Road

Elmont, NY 11003

Repast

Tuesday, November 4, 2025

3:00 pm,

Valley Stream V. F. W

65 East Merrick Road

Valley Stream, NY 11580

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