Frank passed of natural causes in his “castle” on May 27, 2023, surrounded by family and his wife of 67 years, Claire who spoiled him and provided his care until he passed. He was born on October 15, 1933, in  Pascoag, Rhode Island. He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Germaine, his brother Charles, and sisters, Muriel and Gloria. He is survived by his wife, Claire, sister Marcella Sheeley, and four adult children; Carol Charest (Ronald) from Rhode Island, Francis III (Bambi) from Florida, Michael (Renee) from Rhode Island, and Christina Albright (Pamela Gerhard) from Florida. Frank also had a special love for his seven grandchildren; Bryan and Matthew Dunton, Stephanie McAssey, Christopher Dunton, James and Thomas Charest and Brandon Albright. He was able to meet most of his great-grandchildren, Breanna and Nathan McAssey, Sean Dunton, Kayleena, and Aiden Lariviere, and enjoyed his time with those he was able to meet.

Frank served proudly in the U.S. Navy for twenty years, serving as an aircraft maintenance technician as an AZ-1, until his retirement in 1972. He attained the rank of E-6. His service to the country included tours of duty in Rhode Island, Maryland, Virginia (twice) and Hawaii. He is a Korean War veteran. His assigned task force provided the blockade for “The Bay of Pigs” offensive, also known as the “Cuban Missile Crisis.” He worked hard for his country and family. Following his retirement from the Navy, he served as a recreational vehicle mechanic for several companies in New England: Arlington RV, Magner’s RV, and Vachon’s RV, where he was service manager. He also started his own business “Franks R.V.” which was a mobile operation serving Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts and employed both his sons in the business.

Frank enjoyed camping and was a member of the Good Sam Club and the Family Motor Coach Association. He also enjoyed his travel with his trusted navigator and travel partner, Claire, with whom he was able to visit all 50 of the United States. He also took cruises with Claire, allowing him to see parts of the world that the Navy did not bring him to.

He was active as an adult leader for Boy Scouting both in Virginia and Rhode Island, helping instill morals and values in the scouts. He enjoyed riding his bicycle and accomplished a goal of riding 20,000 miles on it between 2008 and 2018.

He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Funeral services are under the direction of Thomas B. Dobies funeral home. A Mass of Christian burial will take place on June 14, 2023, at 11:00 am at the St. Thomas Aquinas Church in New Port Richey. He will be interred on a future date to be announced at the Bushnell National Cemetery in Bushnell Florida.

The family would like to thank Gulfside Hospice for helping to care for Frank, especially Karen, who was a great comfort to Claire during this challenging time.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Thomas Aquinas Church or any military charity of your choice.