June 22, 1940 – June 9, 2016
KILL DEVIL HILLS — Frank Henry Gajar died of a heart attack in SentaraNorfolk General Hospital on June 9, 2016. Born on June 22, 1940 toCzechoslovakian immigrants Henry and Elizabeth Havel Gajar, he grew upin the Bronx, New York City. His childhood included many hours in theNew York City library, a religious and social life at Holy TrinitySlovak Lutheran church in Manhattan, time at Henry’s Deli (the family’srestaurant), and trips to Coney Island and Jones Beach. He graduatedfrom the prestigious Bronx High School of Science, Cornell University(BA, Economics), and University of North Carolina (MBA, Finance). Whileat Cornell, he married his childhood sweetheart, Anna Bician, and theyhad one daughter, Stephanie Anne.
He served in the U.S. Army from 1962 to 1967 as a helicopter pilot andartillery officer with tours of duty in Frankfort, West Germany, andVietnam. He was honorably discharged with the rank of captain andreceived the Vietnam Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal,and the Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster.
His favorite sports were swimming and racket ball. Early hobbiesincluded photography, flying airplanes (IFR rated), making Tiffanylamps, and auto mechanics. Later interests included traveling,history, architecture, antiques, jewelry, anything Victorian or ArtNouveau, economics and financial markets.
He worked at Norfolk & Western Railroad in Roanoke, Va., as afinancial analyst from 1969 to 1976. His first family vacation toOBX was in 1969 in one of the first rental houses in Duck. Withthe experience of renovating N&W Hotel Roanoke’s fine dining room,he bought the Port O’ Call Restaurant in Kill Devil Hills in 1976 andwith the help of his good friend, maitre d’ Ferdinand Phipps ofJamaica, he began his new life as a restaurateur, which would last for40 years. He always fixed and maintained his own restaurant equipmentand HVAC, and designed an innovative quick food steamingapparatus. He was also the structural and interior designer ofthe restaurant’s Gaslight Saloon, which features an authentic oldmahogany bar and hanging opera booth. He had several entrepreneurialventures over the years, including leather clothing importation, pools,computers, a newspaper, cars, and real estate development.
He supported and/or served in several local organizations, includingthe Dare County Health Board, Dare Education Foundation, andAdvancement Via Individual Determination (AVID). He also donated fundsfor the building of a racquetball court at the Nags Head YMCA.
He will be remembered for his support of education, intelligence, hardwork, and humor. He is survived by his daughter, Stephanie Gajar;brother, John Gajar; and nephews, Eric and Daniel Gajar. Hispresence at the Port O’ Call will be missed by many dear friends andpatrons. A public memorial service will be held in the fall atthe Port O’ Call Restaurant. In lieu of flowers, please bring yourfavorite story to share. Special thanks to the entire staff atSentara’s Cardiac Intensive Care Unit.
Twiford Funeral Home, Manteo is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed at www.twifordfh.com.
