Frank Calnan

Francis A. Calnan, 81, of Middleton, died Monday January 5, 2015 at Salem Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Mary (Forry) Calnan with whom he shared more than 53 years of marriage.

Born in Lynn, he was the son of Irish immigrants, the late Bridget and John Calnan. He attended local schools and Newman Prep. Frank was the 5th in a family of 8 children who lived in the Brickyard section of Lynn. He and his 4 brothers served apprenticeships through Local #12 Bricklayers, Masons and Plasterers’ Union of America and became journeymen. Frank excelled in his trade and soon rose in the leadership of Local #12, holding several offices.

Skilled at passing civil service tests, Frank was appointed as a building inspector in the Lynn Building Department where he used his broad construction experience in enforcing the City’s building codes. He was then appointed as Chief of Inspectors and finally as Building Commissioner, serving for many years in that position until his retirement in 2004. Frank was very active in the Eastern States Building Officials Federation and served in several offices in the organization over the years.

He was a proud U.S. Air Force veteran of the Korean War, serving as a skilled electronics mechanic on jet fighters. He was a member of William P. Connery Jr. Post 6 American Legion. Active in the Ancient Order of Hibernians, he held several offices at Division #10 Lynn and also on the county and state levels. Frank loved everything Irish, the music, books and the stories. He visited and traveled extensively in Ireland with his wife Mary and other family members on several occasions.

Frank leaves 9 children, Mark of Lynn, Theresa Calnan of Lynn, Christine (Patrick) Pisanelli of Danvers, James (Brenda) of Enfield, CT, David (Erin Magrane) of Lynn, Thomas (Lori) of Lynnfield, Daniel (Kristin) of Peabody, Laura (Ron) Rexilius of Houston TX and Sean(Erin) of Lynn. Frank also leaves 12 grandchildren; Corinne (Daniel) Burke, Edward, Angelina, Kieran, Aidan, Elizabeth, Christopher, Ryan, Connor, Carly, Abigail, and Kailen Calnan. Frank also leaves behind his brothers Patrick B. Calnan and Edward T. (Susan) Calnan of Lynn and his sister, Margaret M. Snow, of Swampscott. He was pre-deceased by his brothers, James V., William B., John J; a sister Eileen A. and a daughter-in-law, Nina (Lanzi) Calnan.

Frank’s Funeral will be held from the CUFFE-MCGINN FUNERAL HOME, 157 Maple St. Lynn on Friday at 8:30AM followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Pius V Church at 9:30AM. Relatives and friends invited. Interment St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Visiting Hours Thursday 4-8PM. In lieu of flowers, gifts in his memory may be sent to the AOH Division 10 Scholarship Fund, 105 Federal St. Lynn, MA 01905.