Frank M. Seluk
Jan 21, 1923 – March 18, 2016
Frank M. Seluk of Tewskbury MA entered into Eternal Rest on March 18 after 93 years of life centered on family, friends and community service. Born and raised in South Boston, he was the only child of Frank and Madeline (Zimniskas) Seluk. Frank worked for the FBI briefly before enlisting in the Navy during WW II as an aviator, where he met his wife Peggy, a Navy WAVE who hailed from Alabama. They married in 1946, and started their lives together in the same house where he was born. During their years together, they raised 8 children, celebrating their 68th wedding anniversary just before Peg died in 2014. Frank was the consummate family man—a dedicated husband and father, whose selfless giving and sharing touched many lives.
His surviving children include Daniel C Seluk of Palmetto, Fla; Margaret Race (husband Dave Forter) of Menlo Park, Ca.; Barbara Burgess of Dover, NH; Laurie Seluk of Tewksbury; David Seluk of Cape Neddick, Me; Anne Boehm of Portland Me., Mary Ellen Comerford (husband Joe) of Sturbridge Ma; and Joseph Seluk (wife Stacey) of Chester NH. He is also survived by his grandchildren; Daniel Charles Seluk III, Matthew Seluk, Michael Seluk, Katherine Seluk, Jeannine Burgess, Joel Burgess, Kate Carpenter, Eric Race, Jamie Rae Bemis, AJ Comerford, Sean Comerford, Austin Comerford and Sydney Seluk and 13 wonderful great grandchildren.
Frank spent most of his working life at General Electric's Small Aircraft Engine Div. in Lynn. He attended night school at Northeastern University on the GI Bill and obtained bachelors degree in both engineering and math—the first in the family to go to college. Over the years, he sacrificed promotion and position to be present, involved and close to his family.
A move to Tewksbury in 1970 gave Frank and Peg the opportunity to realize their dream of becoming homeowners. They enjoyed keeping up the spacious yard together and delighted in hosting assorted gatherings, holidays and special parties for family and friends, where food and fun were as plentiful as all the noise. Frank relished celebrating his children’s and grandchildren's milestones over time, and later enjoyed watching his grandchildren start their own families. The backyard became a grilling area, skating rink and playground full of laughter. All the Grandkids still reminisce about the tractor-mower rides with Frank in the summertime.
Frank was a helper and giver throughout his life, volunteering even when time or finances were scarce. During the Southie years he maintained strong connections with the Lithuanian community at St. Peter’s Parish, continuing the bonds that were established by his grandmother Eva (Marks) and his mother (Magdalene Zimniskas). Whether he was doing repairs at the convent, running the PTA, fund-raising through Bingo events, or playing Santa Claus, he did it with gusto. He had a seemingly tireless ability to care for and assist those in need. Of special note was his love and selfless caring for “Grammy”, and his stepmother Betty (Seluk) in their later years. After the move to Tewskbury, Frank and Peg both continued giving their time and talents as members and volunteers in the St. Robert Bellarmine Parish Community.
After retirement Frank became active with the GE Retirees group, which golfed and laughed their way across the North Shore. In recent years, despite his declining health, he never failed to connect with those around him. He especially enjoyed playing cards and taking long rides around New England with his wife Peggy and daughter Laurie. To the end, his infectious smile and interest in people stayed with him.
Visiting hours will be held at St Robert Bellarmine Church on Hagget’s Pond Rd. in Andover from 5-7 pm on Monday, March 28. A Funeral Mass will take place on on Tuesday March 29 at 11am at St. Roberst, followed by burial at St Mary's Cemetery in Tewksbury Ma. on River Road.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Frank's name may be made to the Knights of Columbus (K of C Council 10877, St. Robert Bellarmine Church, 198 Haggets Pond Road, Andover MA 01810) or to the charity of your choice.