GARDINER – Calvin Robert Frink, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully at the age of 65, surrounded by his loving family on April 15, 2024.

Cal was born in Ithaca, N.Y. on Sept. 2, 1958, and was the son of the late Charles and Roberta (Manchester) Frink.

He was a long-time resident of Gardiner, where he and his wife, Debra Frink, raised their four children.

Brought up in Branford, Conn., Cal was a “gentle giant,” known for his caring nature and compassionate heart. He graduated from Cornell University, playing football as a right tackle. At Cornell, he was very active in the Navigators Christian organization. During his time at Cornell, he met his beloved wife, Deb, whom he married the day after graduation.

Cal’s greatest source of pride and joy was his family. Cal was a man of strong Christian faith, serving as a deacon at Living Hope Presbyterian Church (OPC) in Brunswick, and formerly at Trinity OPC in Lewiston. Cal had a huge impact on individuals who were in great need, serving those who were house or nursing-home-bound, and the homeless. In Lewiston, he was involved in the early stages of the Good Shepherd Food Bank.

For over 35 years, Cal owned his own business, B & B Cleaning Services, and retired in December 2023. Cal found joy in singing, savoring good food, and spending time in nature camping, boating, fishing, and cheering on his children and grandchildren playing basketball, football, field hockey, tennis, pickleball, ballet, soccer, lacrosse, and track.

In addition to his wife Deb, Cal leaves behind his children, Robert (wife Heather), Paul (wife Christine), Sarah (partner Mark), and Katie; as well as grandchildren Brode, Ella, Quinn, Jude, Meadow, Vida, Wes, and John. Cal is also survived by his sister, Aletta (Lou) and her husband Timothy Wells, brother, Dr. Richard Frink and his wife Jeanette; and numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Cal was predeceased by a baby brother, David.

Cal’s family will receive friends and family on Friday, April 26 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Staples Funeral Home in Gardiner. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 27 at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Gardiner. Private family burial will be at a later date.

Arrangements and guidance are entrusted with Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website, http://www.staplesfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers,

memorial donations

may be made to:

Good Shepherd

Food Bank of Maine

3121 Hotel Rd.

P.O. Box 1807

Auburn, ME 04211 or:

Diaconal Fund at

Living Hope Presbyterian

Church (OPC)

142 Pleasant St.

Brunswick, ME 04011

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