Francis “Frank” W. Lewandowski, 81, of Franklin, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 19, 2023, at his home, surrounded by the love of his family after bravely facing a long illness. He was the beloved husband of Rosanne (Flaherty) Lewandowski for an incredible 59 years.
Born in Boston on October 25, 1942, he was the son of the late Frank and Margaret (Boucher) Lewandowski. He grew up in Dedham (Eastie!) and graduated from Dedham High School. Frank was a resident of Franklin since 1975 where he and Rosanne had many happy years.
Frank worked two full time jobs for over 30 years. During the day, cutting meat at Star Market in Franklin and at night, the MBTA Forest Hills station until his well-deserved retirement. Frank loved hockey, from an early age playing on the Charles, going to BU games, coaching youth hockey and dedicating many hours watching his son and grandchildren play. Although born and bred in Boston his team was the Montreal Canadians. “They play hockey the way it is supposed to be played!” A small blessing to his family, on his final night he was able to hear his final B’s verse the Hab’s game. He was a muscle car enthusiast, enjoying years of rebuilding his prized “1970 Chevelle SS 454 4-Speed” that won him multiple trophies. His love for music, ability to carry a tune, passion for reading autobiographies and history books were facets of his rich personality that his family enjoyed.
Above all, Frank’s unwavering priority was always his family. His children were his proudest accomplishment. Frank loved family vacations, especially Walt Disney World, New Hampshire and Maine. In these moments, you could find Frank enjoying his early morning coffee while taking in the lake view, swimming, getting the grandkids hyped with excitement for the day ahead in Disney, enjoying the Disney grounds & transportation from the boat to the monorail in no rush, just simply relishing each minute of being there. Whether it was a Sunday football game, holiday or celebration, with family, Frank was in his element, infusing the atmosphere with his humor and warmth, often with a perfect one-liner.
In addition to his beloved wife, Rosanne, he is survived by his four proud children, Kim Bennett and her husband Dave of Bellingham, Michael Lewandowski and his wife Denise of Franklin, Karen Niro her partner Jon and his daughter Grace of Mansfield, and Keri Sperling and her husband Jeff of Plainville.
Frank is also survived by eight grandchildren whom he cherished with immense pride: Dana, Emma, Cailey, Amanda, Jack, Shea, Liam, and Kellan who loved his stories and words of wisdom, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Frank was predeceased by his siblings, the late Jean Lewandowski, Mary Brandolo and Joseph Lewandowski.
Funeral arrangements are being privately handled, respecting the wishes of Frank and his family, and are under the care of the Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin, 131 Main Street in Franklin (ginleyfuneralhomes.com).
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Frank’s memory to Shriners Hospitals for Children, PO Box 947765, Atlanta, GA 30394 or to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew Frank.