Frank E. Hersey, 90, died at home Tuesday, September 11th, surrounded by family after a brief illness. Four days prior, he celebrated his birthday with family and friends.
He was born in Lynn, MA, the son of Hilda (Hersey) and John Frank. He graduated from Woodbury High School, Salem, NH in 1941. First Lieutenant Frank Hersey served in the US Army Air Corps as a B-24 Bomber pilot in the Asiatic Theater in Burma, China and India from 1944-1945. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters and the Air Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster. In flying school, he was known as the “brains of the mob.”
In 1945, Frank worked, as his father had, for the United Shoe Machinery Corp. His entry level position was shoe machinery repairman, later becoming District Manager, then Midwest Regional Manager based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was transferred back to Brockton, MA where he retired from USM in 1986. While building his first house, he partnered with his friend Charlie Gordon doing business as Gordon & Hersey Plumbing and Electrical, while employed by USM Corp.
Frank was a self taught master craftsman. He shared his knowledge and talents with his children as they apprenticed with him on several major and minor projects. He built his home in Salem in 1948 and a home in Kiel, WI in 1974 at School Hill. Frank’s family tenting vacations began in 1953. The favorite vacation spots were Hermit Island, Small Point, Maine and Sebago Lake State Park, Maine. In 1965, he built a 23 foot travel trailer to accommodate all 9 family members. In 1966 he took the family cross country to Los Angeles and Washington State to visit family. When he retired, he built a truck camper.
At age 80, Frank built a garage/workshop at his Florida winter home. Frank’s work ethic is summed up by him saying, “If the sun is up, you should be working.” His talents also included auto mechanics and body work.
Frank was pre-deceased by Shirley, his wife of 42 years, mother of their 7 children, and Teresa his wife of 21 years, an infant son, a brother Eugene and a sister Harriet.
He is survived by four sons: John and wife Catherine of Shutesbury, MA, Robert of Derry, NH, Donald and wife Jacqueline of Sheboygan, WI and Richard and wife Dina of Kiel, WI; three daughters: Eileen and husband William Daniels of Boscawen, NH. Linda Goodine of Kiel, WI and Kathy and husband Gary Johnson of Jacksonville, FL; his sister Margaret Dumblauskas of Salem, NH; 17 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, 5 step-grandchildren, and 3 nieces and 3 nephews.
Calling hours are Friday 6-8 PM at Douglas & Johnson Funeral Home, 214 Main Street, Salem, NH with his Funeral Service on Saturday at 10 AM lead by his son-in-law The Rev. Dr. William R. Daniels. At the request of the family, in lieu of flowers donations can be made to Rockingham Community Action Food Pantry, 287 Lawrence Road, Salem or to Wounded Warriors Project.