WW II combat veteran Frank Richard Mills of Medford died peacefully on October 7, 2022. Frank is now joyfully reunited in heaven with his best friend and beloved wife Lee of 71 years, who passed away only 8 months earlier. Frank lived a full and rewarding 101 happy years. Frank proudly lived in Medford for the past 72 years. He was born on September 18, 1921 in Saugus. He is the son of the late Richard F. Mills and Alice F. Mills (Doherty). Frank grew up in Lynn with his 11 brothers and sisters; Alice, Frances, John B., Virginia LeBlanc, Chester, Lester, Gloria, Charles, Rose Swift, Leo, and William.
Frank's children and grandchildren were the pride and joy of his life. The legacy of Frank’s kind spirit, passion for sports, and zest for life will live on through them. Frank was a devoted father of Michael and his wife Tricia and Frank, Jr. He was also the very proud grandfather of Michael, Jr. and Kenny. Many loving nieces, nephews and friends also survive him.
Frank is a graduate of Lynn Classical High School where he was an outstanding athlete and a teammate of the late great Harry Agganis. Frank answered the call and enlisted in the Army at the age of only 17. His tours of duty included 4 years of active duty in both the European and African theaters of battle during WWII. The army bestowed upon Frank the well-earned European–African–Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and four Bronze Stars.
Upon the United States victory in WWII, Frank returned to the Homeland where he met the love of his life, Lee Andreottola of Medford at the then famous Wonderland Ballroom in Revere. They were married in Medford on September 3, 1950 at St. Franicis of Assisi Church. They have two sons, Michael and Frank Jr. along with two grandchildren, Michael, Jr. and Kenny.
Frank continued his athletic aspirations as a coach within the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO). He coached both baseball and basketball at St. Pius V in Lynn, St. Francis in Medford and St. Joseph’s in Medford. The culmination of his coaching career was in 1972 when Frank spearheaded the St. Joseph’s of Medford CYO Junior Baseball Team to the Archdiocese’s and Massachusetts’ State Championships, eventually winning the New England Championship.
Frank was a long-time fixture at the one-time renowned Hosmer Motors of Medford Pontiac Dealership where he was the service manager and a prominent salesman. Frank was also a popular and distinguished salesman at Mirak Chevrolet in Arlington and Liberty Chevrolet in Wakefield. Through the years, Pontiac, Chevrolet, and General Motors all presented Frank with numerous awards and honors.
Frank finally retired at the ripe young age of 80 and continued to drive nearly every day well into his 90’s. Frank had a very active life and was always known for his wit and humor that only 101 years of blissful living can bring about.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to visit at the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford on Friday, October 14th from 5 – 9 PM and again on Saturday morning at 10:30 AM with a procession to St. Francis of Assisi Church, Fellsway West, Medford for a Funeral Mass at 11:30 AM. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery, WWII Lawn at 230 Playstead Road in Medford.