Frank Joseph Burnham, Sr., 76

Frank Joseph Burnham, Sr., 76, died at home in Bellingham on Wednesday February 28th. He was the beloved husband of Catherine M. (Braley) Burnham, with whom he shared 56 years of Marriage.

He was the proud father of Jennifer Robinson and Frank, Jr. and loved his "bonus daughters" Frank Jr.'s wife Jade Walker Burnham and Jennifer's fiancé Rochelle Rousseau. His granddaughter, Lillian and her fiancé Casey Soiney of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, called him "Grumpy Grampy!"

Frank was born in Natick, grew up and attended school in Framingham, graduating from Framingham Trade School and attending Newbury Junior College. He was a long time resident of Franklin spending the last 12 years in Bellingham.

As a young man, Frank proudly served his country during the Viet Nam War as an hydraulics man in the Navy Air stationed at South Weymouth.

After leaving the service, Frank fulfilled his passion for automobiles as a small business owner of a Sunoco station in Ashland. He grew his businesses over the years by becoming an award winning Mobil Dealer. In his "retirement", he invested in real estate, owned an after-market truck accessory store and a storage facility. Not quite finished with his retirement, he became a driving instructor for East Coast Driving School.

Along the way he made many life-long friends, some as far back as high school. Through his association with the Franklin Lions Club, the Franklin School Committee, the Franklin Auxiliary Police, and through his work he made and kept many close friends. If you asked any of them, they will tell you that his sense of humor and loyalty to his friends is what made him special.

As adults we were lucky enough to spend vacations on Cape Cod and in Naples, Florida. We had amazing trips to the British Isles, Newfoundland, Canada, and Desert Springs, California, along with several Caribbean cruises and one to Alaska. But his most cherished trip was a cross country drive including Route 66.

As a Mobil dealer in town Frank became a mentor to a lot of young men and women, many of whom would return years later to tell him what an influence he had on their lives.

Frank had two special charities that were close to his heart, Wounded Warriors and St. Jude's Children's Hospital. If you choose to make a donation in his name please consider these or a charity close to your heart.

At Frank's request, his services and interment at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, will be held privately.

The Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage St. is honored to assist the Burnham family.

Guestbook www.oterifuneralhome.com