NORWICH, Francis James “Frank” Mackie, 96, passed away July 7th, 2018 at William W. Backus Hospital, due to complications from a fractured hip. He was a lifelong resident of Norwich. He was born on April 5th, 1922 in Norwich to the late John Mackie and Mary (Dowdell) Mackie. He was predeceased by three brothers: Henry Mackie, John Mackie, Lawrence Mackie, and four sisters: Mary Rammacher, Catherine Rajotte, Paula Caulkins and Hannah Nye. He is survived by his sons, Joseph (Annette) Bradford, James (Irene) Mackie, and Larry Mackie all from Norwich, five grandchildren, Scott Mackie, Ryan Mackie, Daniel Bradford, Gayla Campbell, and Allyson Burgess, six great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. As a young man, Frank joined the Civilian Conservation Corp, better known as the “CCC”, from 1939 to 1941, before returning back home to Norwich. He later joined the US Navy in Sept 5th 1942 during WWII as a Petty Officer on the U.S.S. LCT 205 landing craft, a part of the amphibious fleet in the Pacific Theater. They went ashore in the North African Campaign, as well as involved with invasions at LaCarte and Gela, Sicily; Ialy, Salerno, Anzio, and Normandy, France. He spent four months at Omaha Beach, then on to the Japanese invasion. On D-Day, Frank was at a staging area in the Marshall Islands.
Frank was honorably discharged on November 29th 1945 as an electrician’s mate, second class. Frank received 5 bronze medals of valor, and was very proud of them. He was married to Rita Jeanette Bradford Mackie on October 4th 1946, who predeceased him in September 2001. Frank also worked for Pratt and Whitney, and Dow Chemical as a maintenance painter for 32 years until he retired in 1981. He was a member of the Norwich Elks and a communicant of the Alliance Church on Wawrecus Hill Rd. Frank spent many winters in Lakeland, FL as a snowbird. He loved being near the ocean and sitting in the sun in his yard. He enjoyed fishing in his younger years and going to the Norwich Marina to sit and chat with fellow veterans. Prior to his passing, Frank lived a very independent life. He cooked his own meals, and planned his weekly menu daily! He even did his own grocery shopping. Church and Allen Funeral Home are in charge of arrangements. Frank’s wish was to be laid to rest at Maplewood Cemetery with military honors only. No funeral arrangements or calling hours will be held. To sign his online guestbook, please visit: www.churchandallen.com
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