Owned sheet metal business; known for his wit and heart of gold

Published November 26, 2020

NORTH READING — Frank W. Kenrick, 81, of North Reading and formerly of Everett, died at his home on Friday, Nov. 20, 2020.

Born in Everett on Feb. 10, 1939, he was the son of the late Edwin M. and Hazel A. (Fraser) Kenrick. Frank attended the L.D. Batchelder School in North Reading and graduated from the Malden Vocational High School in 1956. He served in the U.S. Army from 1958-59.

Frank was a sheet metal worker; he started his own business in 1962, the Kenrick B. Hall Corporation. He worked on numerous buildings throughout Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Rhode Island, Connecticut and New York that are still standing. He also installed heating and air conditioning systems in malls and industrial buildings — he was the chief cook and bottle washer.

Frank was a witty man, full of wisdom, stories, laughs and love. He had a heart of gold, always willing to help when he could.

Frank was indeed a man of different skills and trades, a true entrepreneur. He always enjoyed fixing things around the house and gardening at its best. His specialties were tomatoes, corn, all kinds of peppers and onions. Frank enjoyed traveling, spending time with his family and Sunday dinners.

Frank was a resident of North Reading for over 60 years. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge A.F. and A.M., as well as a dedicated member of Union Congregational Church, all in North Reading.

His surviving family members include his loving wife Andrea E. (Powell) Kenrick; daughters Farika S. Williams and De Andrea D. Gibbs of North Reading; son-in-law Dominic Williams of North Reading; adoptive daughter Carline Gabert of Malden; loving nieces Susan Kenrick of Natick and Sannett Petrus of Haverhill; and cousin Scott Kenrick of Lynnfield. He is also survived by longtime friend of over 40 years Jack and wife Jane Hudgins of North Reading, plus a host of extended family and friends. He was the father of the late Frank Jr. and Glen Kenrick.

His funeral will be held at the Union Congregational Church, 148 Haverhill St., North Reading, on Wednesday, Nov. 25, at 10 a.m. Calling hours were at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow St., North Reading. Due to current restrictions, masks must be worn at all times with social distancing. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading. Memorial donations may be made in Frank’s memory to the charity of one’s choice. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit: www.croswellfuneralhome.com