ARMSWORTHY, Frank Joseph
Age 90, died peacefully at his home in South Natick, MA on December 1st, 2017 after a long but dignified struggle with dementia. Frank was the cherished husband of Joan Armsworthy for 54 years.
Deeply loved father to Scott of Lighthouse Point, FL, Richard (Sandra) of San Diego, CA and Frank (Kathy) of White Cloud MI. Caring brother to Beverly Kohlhepp (Tom) of Frederick, MD. Pre-deceased by his sister Margaret Cagle of Thomasville, NC. Adoring grandfather to his dearest grand-daughter Juliette of Gainesville, FL., step-grandchildren Pauline, Josephine, Gregory and Charlotte of South Florida and loving mother Nathalie of Manhattan, NY. Frank is also survived by sister-in-law Martha Colamaria of Norwood, MA along with many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and extended family members.
Frank will be mostly remembered as an exceptionally sweet man, an extraordinary father and a forever devoted and loving husband. He was a true gentleman, and a truly, gentle man. His bigger than life presence was complimented by his soft spoken and compassionate demeanor. His adoring family and close friends will miss his strength of character, his tender soul and his mild and caring manner. Frank treated everyone he met with dignity and respect, regardless of their station in life. His legacy will be the deep sense of honesty, integrity and fairness that he instilled in all who had the joy of living, working or socializing with him.
Born August 14, 1927 in Baltimore, MD to Frank and Eva (Cooney) Armsworthy, Frank was the eldest child and loving brother to his younger sisters Margaret and Beverly. From an early age he excelled in all sports, but particularly in baseball, football and basketball. Frank became a high school All-Maryland honoree for his accomplishments on the basketball court and brought that athleticism to the US Navy where he played basketball for the US Naval Training Center at Bainbridge, MD during the WWII era. After his service ended, Frank attended the University of Maryland where he played NCAA baseball, football and basketball. He went on to become an All-Time Letter Winner for the Terrapin Football Program, a Maryland Men’s Basketball Record holder and an active member and supporter of Maryland’s “M Club”.
After Graduating from Maryland in 1951, Frank embarked on his professional journey. His path began as an Intelligence Officer with the Central Intelligence Agency stationed overseas, a position for which he was very proud. Frank held various Personnel & Operations positions with Sears, Robuck & Company, The Noxzema Company, Horn & Hardart and Filenes. He went on to become President of Goldsmiths department stores in Memphis, TN and retired as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors at Saks Fifth Avenue, Manhattan, NY.
A longtime member and past president of the Wellesley Country Club, Frank enjoyed retirement by refining an already well-tuned golf game and participating in a hand or two of Gin Rummy. He was an avid reader, a great cook and he loved to tend to his perennial garden. He also enjoyed simply sitting on the back porch, or in front of a roaring fire, enjoying a good Scotch!
His family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to the staff of Parmenter Home Care & Hospice of Wayland for their outstanding care and affection for Frank.
A Memorial Service will take place Sunday, December 10th at the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 477 Washington St., (Rt. 16) Wellesley at 11am. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 10:30-11:00am. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations be made in Frank’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association 480 Pleasant Street Watertown, MA 02472. Or online @ www.alz.org.