Francis Michael Hecomovich's Obituary
Francis “Frank” Michael Hecomovich, age 77, passed away peacefully in his home in Hilo, Hawai’i on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 with ‘ohana (family) by his side, after being on hospice for health complications related to Parkinson’s disease.
Frank grew up with his four brothers and two sisters on a farm in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. As a kid, he learned to perfect his curve ball by bouncing a wet rubber ball against the side of the barn and observing the arc from the water. He received a college scholarship to play both baseball and football for North Dakota State, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business management.
After college, Frank signed as a free agent with the Chicago Cubs, before signing on to pitch for the Minnesota Twins over the next three years. He also played for St. Cloud Minnesota, Wisconsin Rapids, and Orlando Florida farm teams. After his pitching career ended, Frank moved to Hawai’i where he settled down to raise his family, became a Regional Sales Manager for Motorola and paddled with outrigger canoe clubs. He served as a professional scout for the Minnesota Twins Major League team for many years, and as the General Manager for Hawaii Stars professional baseball team based in Hilo, HI.
His love for Hawai’i and baseball were enduring, dedicating his life to scouting, coaching and developing youth and local talent across the Pacific. Throughout all his travels, the Big Island and its people were his favorite place to call home. Think of Frank the next time you are watching your favorite ballgame, enjoying an ice cream treat, sitting by the water in Hilo Bay, or listening to the song “White Sandy Beach of Hawai’i” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole and “Mehameha” by Makaha Sons.
Frank was preceded in death by his mother Helen Ann Pocernich Hecomovich, his father John Hecomovich, his stepmother Mary Markovich Hecomovich, and brothers Ed Hecomovich and Rich Hecomovich.
He is survived by his son J. Kainalu Hecomovich (HI), daughter Malia D’Alio (WA), granddaughter Leila D’Alio (WA), brothers Jim Hecomovich (FL) and Tom Hecomovich (MN), sisters Rose Vowles (WY) and Kathy Roberts (MN) and many incredible nieces, nephews, cousins, hānai family, neighbors, friends and loved ones who were his cherished extended ‘ohana.
Honoring Frank’s wishes, no funeral services will be held. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Hawai’i Care Choices (Hospice of Hilo) at 1011 Waiānuenue Avenue, Hilo HI 96720, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, and Hawai’i Meals on Wheels.
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