Frank Lebenick

Frank Lebenick, 89, of New Berlin, NY, passed away on September 2, 2021 at Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca NY after a brief illness.  Frank was born on May 3, 1932 in New York City to John and Mary Lebenick. He grew up on the family dairy farm in New Berlin, NY and graduated New Berlin Central School in 1950.

Upon graduation Frank joined the Navy and served for four years on the destroyer, USS. Kidd, and later the submarine, USS Greenfish. After serving during the Korean war, he attended Michigan College of Mining and Technology with degrees in electrical and mechanical engineering.   His first job was at RCA Television but after a few years he moved to New York City to pursue his passion for acting. He studied under Uta Hagan and performed in several off-broadway plays under the name of Frank Eben.

In the early 1970s, Frank returned to the family farm where he designed and built a wood burning furnace for his parents’ home.  He founded the company, N-B Stove, which produced many furnaces for homes in the surrounding area over the next several decades.  It is known by many that Frank could fix and build anything.  His motto was, “Never fear for Frank is here!”

His hobbies included skiing, tennis, singing, ballroom dancing, and flying his own plane.

In 2003 Frank married Gail Haywood in New Berlin and they shared their retirement years in the family farmhouse.

Frank is predeceased by his parents, his wife Gail, his brother, John Lebenick, and sister, Mary Dispensa.  He is survived by his sisters Josephine Melmer and Rosalie Lebenick; nieces Marilyn Dispensa and Carol (Joe)  Menditto; nephews Robert Melmer and James Dispensa; grand-nephews Donato, Matteo, Joseph and Michael Mignone.

Calling hours are Tuesday, September 7, 2021 from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM at the Dakin Funeral Home LP, 17 N. Main St., New Berlin, NY.  A short graveside service with military honors will begin at Fairview Cemetery shortly afterwards.