Published in the October 21, 2016 edition
MEREDITH, N.H. — Frank H. Banks, 89 of Meredith, N.H. and formerly a long time resident of Wakefield, passed away peacefully at Forestview Manor in Meredith on Sunday, Oct. 16.
Frank was born in Melrose on July 22, 1927. He was the son of the late Joseph M. and Ruth M. (Gibbons) Banks. Raised in Wakefield, he graduated from Wakefield High School, and was motivated to serve his country before the age of 18. He enlisted into the United States Coast Guard during World War II and throughout his life remained forever proud of his honorable service.
Frank worked as a mechanical designer/engineer for a variety of companies. He retired at age 62 from Scully Signal Company in Wilmington, after a career developing gauges and controls for the safe storage and delivery of oil worldwide. Frank was an intelligent man who enjoyed his work but always remained humble. Recently, he had remarked that he had a very good life and was thankful for the many good and nice people he had met. For many years, he and wife Betty enjoyed spending time golfing together and spent the winters in Ft. Myers, Fla.
In his free time, Frank enjoyed the thrill of the outdoors. Time spent away was generally centered around the Lake Winnipesaukee region. Frank loved hunting white tailed deer with family and friends in New Hampshire and Maine. In his younger days, he trained his eye with duck or pheasant hunting, and really enjoyed salmon or trout fishing on Lake Winnipesaukee with his son Steve. He rarely if ever, ate any of the fish or meat, preferring to return to the lake and provide as a gift to someone else. Frank was a good hearted man, with a stubborn independence and quiet strength. He will be missed.
Mr. Banks was the beloved husband of the late Elizabeth M. “Betty” (Hollett) Banks, with whom he shared 59 years of marriage. He was the devoted father David S. Banks of Buzzards Bay; Kerry L. Banks and her husband Mark Nowlan of Brownsville, Vt.; and Steven P. Banks and his significant other Kimberly Gauthier of Moultonboro, N.H. He was the caring brother of the late Wilhelmina Crane of Spring Hill, Fla. He was the loving grandfather of Brian, Eric, Chloe and T’ien Banks. He is also survived by three great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends gathered in honor and remembrance of Frank’s life for his Funeral Service at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose celebrated on Thursday, Oct. 20. Interment with military honors by the U.S. Coast Guard in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. Donations in Frank’s memory may be made to the First Parish Congregational Church, PO Box M, Wakefield MA 01880. For obituary, visit www.robinsonfuneralhome.com.
