Frank Joseph Powers

Frank J Powers went to his eternal resting place on Tuesday, April 17, 2018, at the age of 94 years. He was born on May 18, 1923, in Berlin MA, the second son of Peter Powers and Frances Mahefka Powers. He was raised by his Polish Grandmother, Mary Przygoda, who immigrated to the United States from Poland, by way of Ellis Island, NY. Frank, in his 90s, could still carry on a conversation in Polish, when asked.

Frank became independent as a teenager, working in a factory in Clinton, MA. He was drafted into the Army Air Corps in March of 1943. He served with the 712th Base Unit, Army Airways Communications System in India, for a year, during World War II. Unable to advance from the rank of Corporal without a High School Diploma, he learned the value of an education while enlisted. He was honorably discharged in 1946 and over the next 15 years, he earned both a high school certificate and an Electrical Engineering college degree through part time, evening classes, while working full time and supporting a family.

Frank was an avid golfer, scoring a hole-in-one on a par 3 at the age of 68. He also enjoyed fishing, bowling, dancing and swimming. Every summer you could find him at a beach; for many years at the family favorite, Hampton Beach, NH. He spent the bulk of his career at American Optical in Southbridge, MA. He was a Foreman in the Fiber Optics Facility and co-created an Intraocular Lens in 1985 that was patented. He played music ‘by ear’ and he was an amazing Harmonica player. He treated all friends like family. And he was a devout Catholic, teaching CCD to many of the children parishioners of Notre Dame Church in Southbridge.

He met his wife, Theresa (LeBlanc) while watching a Holy Cross College football game and they married in Miami, FL in 1948. They remained sweethearts for 70 years and she will miss him greatly. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his “Daddy’s Girl” daughter Judith (Jude) Powers, his son-in-law Ronald Etter, his beloved Granddaughter Madison Pollock Parkman and her husband Travis Parkman. He will also be missed by his niece and “first daughter” Joyce LaFortune and nephews Bryan LeBlanc and wife Ginny and Edward (Ned) Paradis.

The family will receive friends Friday April 20th from 5:00 – 7:00pm at the Woody Funeral Home on Parham Rd in Henrico.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests planting a tree or making a memorial contribution to your local PBS station. Frank never missed an episode of Lawrence Welk on our PBS station, WCVE.