Franklin F. Regan, Jr., affectionately known as “Pete” by all those who loved him so deeply, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2018. In his last days, he was surrounded by his family.
Pete was born in Flushing on May 13, 1929 and raised in Whitestone. He forever held a deep love of his native Queens. He attended Bayside High School, Sienna University where he received his undergraduate degree and Fordham University School of Law, where he received his Juris Doctor degree. He practiced law for over 50 years, an accomplishment that gave him great pride.
A devoted husband, he was predeceased by Jane, his beloved wife of 47 years.
A loving brother and father, he is survived by his brother Robert Regan (Billye), his sister Eileen Redmond (Joseph), his seven children, Diane Raffa (Matthew), Franklin F. Regan III (Maureen), Kathleen Golden, Edward Regan (Annette), Christine Henn (Joseph), Timothy Regan and Kevin Regan (Arlene), fourteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren who all loved and admired his spirit and his strength.
A genuine character, Pete had a larger than life personality and a joy for living. He had the brightest blue, Irish eyes and a smile that could light up a room. Anyone who knew him knew two things: 1. Not to call him “Franklin” if you wanted him to answer you and 2. That you could always hear him before you could see him.
A devoted patriot, he served his country proudly in the United States Army.
A true philanthropist, Pete dedicated his time and energy to so many organizations that were close to his heart. He was a President of the Flushing Boys Club, a member of the Senior Council to the Queens Chamber of Commerce, a Vice President of the Flushing Chamber of Commerce, a member and President of the Flushing Lions Club, a member of the Board of Directors of both Flushing Financial Corporation and Flushing Bank, a member and President of the St. Patrick’s Society of Queens, a mission Vice President of the Queens Catholic Youth Organization, a Commander of the William A. Leonard Post of the American Legion and served as Counsel to Flushing Hospital.
An avid golfer and lifetime member of the North Hempstead Country Club, Pete’s only hole-in-one was on the 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass.
Pete was truly a man among men. His loss will be felt so deeply by all those he leaves behind but his time on earth will forever serve as an inspiration to us all.
Services will be held at Weigand Brothers Funeral Home in Williston Park on Sunday, January 14 and Monday, January 15 from 2-4:30 and 7-9PM. A funeral mass will be held at St. Mary’s RC Church in Manhasset at 10am on Tuesday January 16, interment to follow at Nassau Knolls Cemetery in Port Washington.
