Frank A. Metz, Jr. ’55, P’89 died on February 3, 2021 in Palm Desert, California. 

(The following was published by the Los Angeles Times on February 9, 2021)

Frank Andrew Metz, Jr., 87, of Palm Desert, CA and Newport Beach, CA, died peacefully at his home on February 3, 2021. Originally from the East Coast, he was born in Winthrop, MA, on January 28, 1934, to the late Mr. and Mrs. Frank A. Metz, Sr. Mr. Metz attended Bowdoin College where he earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics, played football, hockey and “some” pool. He graduated in 1955 and served as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army Reserves where he specialized in logistics. In 1957, he married the former Leila Crawford “Lukie” Smith and became loving father to their six children. Throughout the years he arranged memorable family vacations, sports tournaments and occasional events of organized mayhem. His first wife passed away in 1977. Mr. Metz enjoyed a long and distinguished career at the International Business Machines (IBM) Corporation. Starting as a systems engineer, Mr. Metz rose through the ranks, leading a number of IBM innovations and profitable divisions, playing a key role in the transformation of the company in the computer age. In 1986, he was appointed Chief Financial Officer, and was elected to the IBM Board of Directors in 1990, the first finance chief to hold that position. He served as IBM’s CFO until his retirement in 1993. He also served as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the IBM Credit Corporation, the financing arm of the Company. Mr. Metz continued as a business leader, serving as a director for the Monsanto Company and Allegheny Power Systems Inc., and was a trustee of St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital in Manhattan and the American Museum of Natural History. Mr. Metz married the former Judith “Judy” Mapes in 1979, beginning a love affair that lasted over 40 years. Known to all as “Frank”, he enjoyed spending time with Judy, friends and family. He was an avid tennis player and voracious reader, and never stopped reading his beloved New York Post. Those in his presence could count on a humorous quip or an informed opinion on just about any topic. To his children, he was simply “Dad”. He was present at all of their important moments in life including graduations, weddings, and arrivals of new grandchildren. He provided love and comfort after their mother’s passing, and always counseled them to “do the right thing”. His grandchildren adored him and looked forward to holiday visits with Dad and Judy. Frank is predeceased by his parents, first wife, Lukie, sister, Mary Lord, brother-in-law, Larry Lord, and brother-in-law, Ted Shaw. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Judy; son, Christopher (Leonor); daughter, Leila (Bill); daughter, Amy (Bobby); son, Patrick (Lisa); son, Joshua (Susie); daughter, Rebecca (Chris); brother, James (Anne); and eleven grandchildren ranging in age from 9 to 27.