Frank Edward Woerner

Was a devoted father to daughter Leah (husband Joseph) and Son Phil (wife Sue), grandson Justin and granddaughter Nicole.

Frank had five siblings, Harold, Irene, Bobby, John, and Tommy. Frank served his country proudly in the United States Navy operating the engine room. He worked at Lowe’s corporation up to his retirement as a chief engineer for many years. After his retirement you could find Frank sitting in a park reading a book, taking pictures of the scenery, or taking in the scenery around him.

Frank’s beaming smile and down to earth personality changed the lives of everyone he’s met. His passion of singing captivated audiences everywhere. His enthusiasm was uncontainable as he joyously lifted his dynamic voice in song and laughter. He spent most of his life promoting, teaching, and continuing the folk music scene in the NYC area. Frank’s enormous repertoire was filled with songs from every genre of folk music from North America and the British Isles and he often accompanied himself on the concertina, guitar, and banjo. He could sing for hours and never repeat a song. Beyond performing, his most cherished role was being a beloved grandfather to his family and was an inspiration to “folkies” located in the NYC area.

Frank’s interest in folk music began in the 1950’s listening to Woodie Guthrie and Pete Seeger. In 1967, Frank and Bernie Klay formed The X-Seaman’s Institute with John Townley and Dan Aguiar. Their group performed regularly at South Street Seaport, Mystic Seaport, and numerous other maritime venues. The group recorded six albums of sea shanties for the Smithsonian Institutions Folkways Records Label.

Poet Henry David Thoreau was one of Frank’s non-musical inspirations. “Tis a gift to be simple” and “simplify, simplify, simplify” we’re his life mottos. Frank will be greatly missed by his family and friends who loved him dearly.

Musical Groups

- The X-Seaman’s Institute

- The New York Packet

- The Compass Rogues

- The Richmond Tavernacle Choir

- Out of Bedlam

- Frank Woerner and The Cruel Sisters

Discography

- Sing at The South Street Seaport - The X-Seaman’s Institute (1973)

- Heart of Oak! - The X-Seaman’s Institute (1976)

- Sea Songs: Louis Killen, Stan Hugill, and The X-Seaman’s Institute at the Seattle Sea Shanty Festival (1979)

- Sea Songs: Songs from The Age of Sail - Stan Hugill, David Jones, and The X-Seaman’s Institute (1980)

- The Good Coffee House Recording of Traditions, New Spirits, & Holy Ground - Frank Woerner and The Cruel Sisters (1997)

- Favorite Sea Songs-Songs from the Age of Sail - The X-Seaman’s Institute (1981)

- Classic Maritime Music from Smithsonian Folkways - Various Artists (2004)

- Frank featured on music from, The Johnson Girls, Dan Milner, Rick Nestler, TheNexTradition, and Watersign

A visitation for Frank will be held Thursday, March 9, 2023 from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Frederick Funeral Home, 192-15 Northern Boulevard, Flushing, NY 11358. A committal service will occur Friday, March 10, 2023 from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM at Mount St. Mary Cemetery, 164-15 Booth Memorial Avenue, Fresh Meadows, NY 11365.