Hartland, Vermont

Frank Warren Hastings died on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at the age of 79. The cause of death was Alzheimer’s, which took some of his abilities, but not his sense of humor, his recognition of his family, or his rebellious nature.

Frank was a jokester, a mechanical genius, a mostly harmless pest, a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather, and a superfan of women’s tennis. He was raised on a farm in Spencertown, New York, the youngest of four children. He joined the Marines before graduating from college with a double major in biology and chemistry. After college, he moved to Vermont to learn the trade of woodworking. He spent his early days in Vermont skiing, riding motorcycles, fly-fishing, bird hunting, and running up Mount Ascutney.

Over the course of his woodworking career, he became a skilled craftsman, building his own home, numerous other homes, tables, chairs, bookshelves, cribs for his grandchildren, desks, the chuppah for his daughter’s wedding, guitars, and much more. In addition to his career as a woodworker, Frank was also an EMT, ski patroller, real estate agent, avid collector of antiques and art, actor in local plays, and lover of the outdoors. He even once spent six months working and riding on a horse farm in Ireland.

Shortly after arriving in Vermont, he met his wife, Pam, whom he adored, at the Skunk Hollow Tavern in Hartland. Frank loved making Pam laugh (thankfully for him, they shared the same wicked sense of humor), driving her around town, reading and drinking tea alongside her in their living room, and discovering new movies, TV shows, and music with her. Staying up late to watch Austin City Limits and being in the know about new artists before their children were among their favorite pastimes.

They raised their two children in the house Frank built in Hartland. Frank was deeply dedicated to his children and reveled in their accomplishments, whether on the athletic fields or in the classroom. He was the dad who made it to every single game. Most recently, he was a devoted father-in-law and grandfather. He took great pride in his granddaughters’ quick wit.

He is survived by his wife, Pam; his son, Jon Hastings, his wife, Sarah Seo, and their daughters, Nora and Ellie; and his daughter, Charlotte Hastings, her wife, Katrina Hacker, and their son, Hugo; in addition to numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

His sense of humor was always his strongest asset, even at the very end.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Hartland, Vermont, beginning at 10:15 a.m. on Saturday, November 14th. Food, drinks, and laughter will follow at the Skunk Hollow Tavern from 11 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. All who knew Frank are welcome. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Alzheimer's Association .