Kate Spade’s Father Dies the Night Before Her Funeral Spade's father, Frank Brosnahan, died on Wednesday, June 20 at age 89. He had been in failing health of late and was heartbroken over the recent death of his beloved daughter. He was at home and surrounded by family at the time of his passing.” Two weeks before his death, Spade committed suicide in her New York City apartment. The fashion designer was only 55 years old at the time. Shortly after her death, the Kate Spade New York brand announced that it will donate $1 million to mental health awareness. Despite Brosnahan's death, Spade's funeral still went as planned on June 21, 2018 in Kansas City.