From leaving his home as a young man and returning as a decorated war veteran, Frank’s life story is a remarkable journey of resilience, dedication, and love.
Frank was born in 1925 in Manchester, NH, growing up during the Great Depression, when life was challenging for many families. He attended Holy Family Academy on Cartier Street for elementary school and then completed high school in Tyngsboro, MA.
When Frank turned 18, he was drafted into the U.S. Army to serve in World War II. He began his journey with basic training at Camp Robinson in Arkansas before boarding the S.S. Lurline to the South Pacific. After several months of intensive training in Australia, Frank joined the 32nd Red Arrow Division, preparing for a challenging amphibious landing in Japanese-controlled New Guinea. The 32nd Division would ultimately log 654 days of combat— more than any other U.S. Army division during the war. As part of a 7-man 81 mm mortar squad, Frank’s role was to load the live shells with great care. Frank said the mortar was very loud and they did not have any ear protection. In all, Frank participated in three major engagements in the Pacific: New Guinea, Philippines, and the occupation of Japan.
After the war, a friend set Frank up on a bowling date with future wife Doris, and the connection was instant. “As soon as I saw that sweetheart, I knew I wanted to be with her forever,” Frank fondly remembers. Frank and Doris were married for 72 wonderful years, raising four children together. He credits their long, happy marriage to always working through their differences and humorously adds, “And if that didn’t work, I’d say two words: ‘Yes, dear.’”
For many years, Frank worked as the greenskeeper at Derry Country Club, and during the winters, he was the Zamboni driver at the local ice rink—he prided himself on making the best ice! Several Rockingham County employees even recall skating on the rink he carefully maintained.
This February, Frank celebrated his 100th birthday as one of the few remaining WWII veterans in the country.
