Frank Macomber Hall

On Friday, March 20, 2020, Frank Hall, loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away after a short illness at the age of 93. He was born in San Diego, CA to Arabella Macomber Hall and Harvey Wright Hall.

Frank grew up in San Diego, and for a couple of years his cousin, Conrad Hall, lived with him. Conrad’s father, James Norman Hall, author of Mutiny on the Bounty, would often visit and tell adventure stories to the family, which he loved very much. After graduating from San Diego High School in 1944, he was drafted into the Army. He was trained at Fort Hood in Texas and shipped overseas in December 1944 aboard the Ile de France. Frank joined the 69th Infantry Division in France in January 1945. His battalion, which was engaged in Rhineland – Central Europe campaigns, was the first to link up with the Russians on the Elbe River in May 1945. He served in Berlin for several months after the war ended reaching the rank of Sergeant. He was awarded the Bronze Star medal, among others. Frank returned to the United States in June 1946 and entered San Diego State College where he joined the Kappa Sigma Fraternity, serving as President in his senior year. While in college, he met Carol Oberle and they were married in 1953.

Upon graduation from college, he worked in finance for 37 years for General Motors GMAC. He and his family moved frequently with his job before landing in Moraga in 1970. He served on the Board of the Moraga Park and Recreation Department when they built the bandshell in the park. In 1991, they moved to San Rafael, CA to be closer to the bay. He bought a Cal-39 sailboat, big enough for the whole family. Frank and Carol also joined the Marin Yacht Club in San Rafael, and in 1992 Frank was the Commodore. Through the Oceanic Society, he volunteered his boat and services on the Farallon Patrol where he transported supplies and scientists to the Farallon Islands. While in San Rafael, Frank and Carol enjoyed the camaraderie of being on several Bocce Ball teams. Soon after his retirement from GMAC, he tutored students in math at the Emeryville High School through his North Oakland Rotary Club. He was also on the board of the Better Business Bureau and a member of the 100 Club and the 20-30 Club. Frank was a gentleman who will be greatly missed.

Frank is survived by his wife of 66 years, Carol, their three children – Kimberly Fielding (Kevin), Jennifer McCullough (Bradford), and Frank Hall, Jr. (Martha), and 7 grandchildren. Frank was predeceased by his parents and his siblings (Clarabella Coughlin and Capt. Harvey Hall, Jr., U.S.N.).

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Marin Yacht Club in San Rafael. It will be announced at a later date.