Francis "Frank" Haile Commiskey

January 30, 1953 – June 28, 2026

Francis "Frank" Haile Commiskey, age 73, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2026, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. His life was a remarkable, vibrant journey that spanned continents, but his heart was always anchored firmly to his family.

Frank was born on January 30, 1953, in Arequipa, Peru, to Francis William Commiskey and Emma “Emita” Rowlands Commiskey. Growing up in a unique intersection of backgrounds sparked his lifelong love for world travel, nature, and people. After moving in the 1960’s with his family to Baltimore and then the Washington, D.C. area, he attended the University of Maryland, where he met his beloved wife, Elaine Lawson. They fell deeply in love, moved to California, and were married.

Their early family life was an adventure of its own. They welcomed their son Patrick in California, before moving to Ann Arbor, Michigan, for what was intended to be a temporary assignment. It was there that their son Brian was born. Though they always planned to return to Maryland, they spent 39 wonderful years in Michigan, deeply rooting themselves in the Ann Arbor community and raising their family.

Frank was a man of immense work ethic and sacrifice. As an international business development professional for automotive testing equipment, he logged countless hours traveling across Asia, Europe, Central and South America, and the United States to provide for those he loved. Despite his demanding career, he poured himself into his community — coaching his sons’ soccer teams and, in retirement, organizing a meaningful revitalization of the Thurston Nature Center, where he shared his passion for the outdoors by teaching local school children.

In his later years, Frank’s greatest joy was being a grandfather. From 2022 to 2023, he and Elaine lived near Baltimore to help care for his grandchildren, followed by a move to Albuquerque in 2024 to remain close to the little ones he absolutely adored.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Emita Commiskey; and brother-in-law Scott Taylor.

He leaves behind a rich legacy of love and devotion. He is survived by his beloved wife, Elaine; his devoted sons, Patrick and Brian; his daughters-in-law Angelica and Cosette; his adored grandchildren, Patrick Jr, Ruth, Hope, Leah, and an eagerly expected fifth grandchild; and his cherished sisters, Isabel (Doug) Brady and Adela Taylor. He will also be deeply missed by his dear sisters-in law, brothers-in-law, cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and lifelong friends.

The family kindly requests memorial gifts be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association to accelerate research and support. Please donate at Alzheimer's Association .

Services:

Memorial Service: Friday, July 3rd at 10:00 AM MST (Noon EST) at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, Albuquerque, NM. Live streaming at https://popabq.org/prince-of-peace-live-masses.