- Date Of Birth: December 30, 1922
- Date Of Death: December 2, 2016
- State: Maine
Bath – Frank (Danny) Wilton Danforth, Jr. passed away peacefully after a brief illness on Friday the 2nd of December, 2016, at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House.
Born on December 30th, 1922, to Frank Sr. and Margaret Danforth, he spent most of his life in Bath, Maine. Frank also resided in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, where he met his wife of 51 years, Catherine Ann Gentile.
Frank graduated from Morse High School in 1941 and later from the Higgins Classical Institute.
Anyone who knew him understood that besides his family, friends and pets, Frank had a devoted passion for sports. His love of golf began as a caddy, earning 50 cents a round at the Bath Country Club. At Morse, he played every season and excelled at all he participated in. Frank took his natural talents to Higgins and later to the University of Maine at Orono where he earned seven varsity letters, still the record for the most earned by a UMO athlete. The closest competitor at UMO received just five letters before graduation.
After Frank’s time in the engineering world, he went on to become a coach and teacher at his alma mater Higgins Classical. Later Frank would lead the Lisbon High School basketball and football teams to victory. He loved to see his sons, grandchildren and great grandchildren on the field, traveling throughout Maine to watch their games.
Upon returning from St. Thomas, Frank worked for himself as a carpenter in his home town, Bath. He was a master craftsman and built many homes, additions, and renovations, always adding a personal touch to his work. Frank’s handmade furniture and carvings reflect a dedication to art of days gone by – seldom seen today. His talents can be witnessed around Bath, especially at his cottage at Birch Point.
Frank also worked for Bath Iron Works, retiring in 1988. His talents were well recognized, and Frank’s work in the Captain’s quarters for the USS Gates earned him a “PLANK,” an award for his service.
Frank was an active member of the Morse High Alumni Association and regularly attended functions, including speaking at the banquet for his 75th reunion this past summer. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion. Frank was also a member of the M Club at UMO, attending meetings on a regular basis and was a familiar face at football games. He was a proud member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity and active member throughout his life. As a “Fiji” he travelled the country playing in their Phi Gamma golf tournaments and would travel each year to the “House” for the annual Frank Norris Pig Dinner.
Frank leaves behind his wife Catherine, his sister Jacquie Janssen of Riverdale New York, sons Frank W. Danforth III and wife Karen of South Paris, Thomas J. Danforth and wife Karen of Rangeley, grandchildren Nathan Danforth and wife Allyson, Aimée and her fiancé Greg Brunelle of Rangeley, Frank W. Danforth IV and wife Tia, Sean Danforth and wife Kimberly of Moose River, great grandchildren Trevor, Kylie, and Kaylin of South Paris, Rory and London of Moose River, nephews Mark Swett and wife Pam of The Villages, Florida, Allen and wife Janice of Corning, New York, goddaughters Jessica Grenier of Lisbon Falls, and Khristine Rideout of Bowdoin.
Frank was predeceased by his parents Frank and Margaret Danforth and sisters Eleanor Danforth of Bath, Jean Goodfield of Redding Ridge, Connecticut, and Barbara Swett and husband Alton of Newcastle.
Frank had a passion for life and lived it to the fullest until the very end. His dedication and his love for his family were next to none. He will always be remembered as someone who worked hard every day and gave to many without expecting anything in return.
Frank’s family extends their gratitude to Dr. Spencer Powers and his medical staff at Maine Medical Center for their care and compassion during Frank’s short stay. Also, the family expresses their sincere gratitude to the Gosnell Memorial Hospice Center and their staff in Scarborough for their care in providing him comfort.
Frank will be remembered at St. Mary’s Church in Bath at the 9:30 a.m.
