Bruce Frank

The world has lost a wonderful man. Bruce Hill Frank died on January 28. He was born October 12, 1938 in Hartford, Connecticut. He was raised in Connecticut with his three siblings and remained there until he graduated from Trinity College in 1960. He subsequently earned his PhD in physical biochemistry from Northwestern University. Bruce married Linda Rubinwitch in 1961 and shared an incredible life together for the next 63 years.

They moved to Indianapolis in 1966, where he went to work for Eli Lilly & Company. For 33 years, Bruce served Lilly as a dedicated scientist, particularly in diabetes research. His efforts led to the development of Humulin and improved care and quality of life for diabetics everywhere. After retiring from Lilly, Bruce consulted with a number of biotech companies.

The intellectual curiosity Bruce displayed as a scientist extended beyond his work life. Bruce made friends quickly and enjoyed getting to know people. He was a compassionate and engaging man with a great sense of humor.

Bruce enjoyed traveling, whether to international destinations or an archaeological dig site in South Dakota. He was an avid reader, typically finishing two novels a week. He also enjoyed theatre and the arts.

Bruce was a man of great integrity and an active community leader in Indianapolis and Naples, Florida. Among his various roles, Bruce served as president of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Indianapolis and as a board member for the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis. In recognition of his leadership, his name was added to the Bruce Frank Martin Larner Leadership Academy at the JCC of Indianapolis.

Bruce was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Nothing energized him more than spending time with his family, whether at home, on the beach, or traveling together.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, James and Florence; brother, Glenn; and sister, Johanna Dow. He is survived by his wife Linda, brother Doug (Penny), son Jeffrey (Abby), daughter Jacquelyn, and grandson Evan.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, February 2, at 1:00 PM at Aaron Ruben Nelson Funeral Home, 11411 North Michigan Road. Donations in Bruce’s honor may be made to the Frank-Larner Leadership Academy Fund at the JCC Indianapolis.