Frank was born at home and raised in North Providence, RI by his late parents Frank Henry and Joanna Della (Anderson) Fenner. He was a graduate of North Providence High School; class of 1942. Soon after graduation, Frank enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Fairbanks, AK. He was a proud WWII veteran, a Technician Fourth Grade with the 2nd Signal Service Battalion. During his time of service, he intercepted secret and confidential codes and received acknowledgment from the Military Intelligence Division War Department for their appreciation of his loyalty and devotion of duty while serving with Intelligence from 1943 to 1945. Frank was also a recipient of the American Theater Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with 1 Service Stripe and 3 Overseas Bars and the Victory Medal.
In 1946, Frank started his 44 year career as technician with New England Telephone. He moved to the Cape in 1954 and settled in Centerville, MA where he was very active in his community. Frank was Past Commodore of the Hyannis Yacht Club; Past Master of Fraternal Lodge in Centerville; Member of Mount Horeb Masonic Lodge, South Dennis and Mariners Lodge in Cotuit, and was a Joseph Warren Medal Recipient from the Grand Lodge of MA. Frank was Past High Priest, Orient Royal Arch Chapter, Centerville, member of the Cape Cod Council and Cape Cod Commandery #54, Knights Templar, and a 32nd degree member of the Scottish Rite. He was a Past Patron of Masona Chapter #134, Order of the Eastern Star (OES), South Dennis, Past Patron of Cotuit Chapter #177, OES, Past Grand Patron of the Grand Chapter of Massachusetts, OES, and Special Deputy to Bolivia for the General Grand Chapter, OES. Frank was also the “Dad” of Cape Cod Assembly # 66, International Order of the Rainbow for Girls for many years where he earned the Grand Cross of Color for meritorious service to the Order.
Frank also received a license from the US Coast Guard to operate or navigate passenger carrying vessels in Vineyard and Nantucket Sound. He continued his love of sailing socially and also enjoyed gardening, building things, and traveling for Eastern Star. Above all else, he adored his loving family.
Frank is predeceased by his sister Barbara Fenner Johnson and first wife Evelyn Ruth Coyne.
In addition to devoted wife Judy, he is survived by two loving sons and adored daughter; his son Gary Stuart Smith (wife Melinda), their children; Mark Smith (wife Amanda), & their daughters Leeann Marie and Liza Lin Smith; Tiffany Smith (husband Nick Campbell) their sons Gavin Glenn and Nathan Gary Campbell; his son Scott Alan Smith (wife Laura), their sons; Steven Terrance and Joshua Leon Smith; his daughter Jennifer Lyn (husband Kyle McDevitt), their children Stephanie Lee McDevitt, Nikki Lee-Ann McDevitt & Nikki’s daughter Jada Lee Candelora; Lucas Fenner McDevitt and Michael Thompson McDevitt. Frank is also survived three children from his first marriage; his son Robert Fenner, (Bob’s children, Christopher and Melissa); and his daughters Carolyn Elizabeth (Fenner) Pacheco and Judith Anderson Fenner.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Wednesday, August 8th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Doane, Beal & Ames, 160 W. Main St., Hyannis, MA 02601. A Masonic Memorial Service will begin promptly at 7:00 PM, and will be immediately followed by the Eastern Star Memorial Service. A celebration of Frank’s life will be held on Thursday, August 9, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 421 Wianno Ave., Osterville, MA 02655 followed by military honors and committal in the church memorial garden. A reception will follow in St. Peter’s Parish Hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Isador Forbes Benevolent Fund, P.O. Box 600583, Newtonville, MA 02460-0006; care of Grand Secretary, Mrs. Karen E. Grabau, P.M. Checks payable to Grand Chapter of MA with IFBF-Frank Fenner in the memo line. For online condolences, please visit doanebealameshyannis.com.
