Obituary for Francis W "Frank" Engel
Francis W. Engel, “Frank” of Winchester, passed away peacefully, on August 17, 2022. He was 91 years old. Frank was born in Somerville, the son of the late William and Mabel Engel. He grew up in Somerville graduating from St. Joseph’s School and Somerville High School. Frank also served his country in the United States Coast Guard.
Born on August 19, 1930, in Somerville, Frank was a warm and caring husband, brother, father, uncle friend, and mentor. Frank would have celebrated his 92nd birthday 2 days after his passing. Frank will be truly missed by all who knew him. Frank was preceded in death by his loving wife Elaine, “Lainie” Engel. He was the devoted father of Robert D. Engel (MaryEllen DeRoche). Frank was also preceded in death by his dear siblings Bobby Engel Sr, Florence Flynn, and Mary Engel. He was the brother-in-law of Carol Engel, Lorraine Kickham, Larry and Shelia Foley, Sally Foley, and John Flynn. Frank also leaves behind his companion of many years Cherry Parquette. He is survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Frank’s biggest accomplishment in life was his son Robert. Frank was extremely proud to turn his business over to Robert, a lifelong dream of Frank’s. Excluding his son Robert, Frank’s next biggest accomplishment was his second baby, Air Purchases, the company he founded in 1969 with his brother Bobby and dear friend Bobby Fratus. Frank’s dream was to be self-employed, and he was extremely successful at it. Frank was the founding President of Air Purchases Inc, a wholesale distributor of HVAC equipment. He went on to lead the company for over 50 years. Due to all of Frank’s hard work and dedication Air Purchases is still a thriving company today. Frank was a fantastic boss and mentor to all of his employees. This is attested to by the longevity of many employees to this day. He always valued his employees’ opinions and trusted them completely. Frank believed in his team and loved to promote from within.
Frank was a loyal and dedicated member of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts for many years. He loved the comradery of the Ancients. Frank made many lifelong friends through the Ancients. He was fortunate enough to travel the world with the organization, going to many different countries. Poland, Russia, Italy, Germany, and Spain were all among his favorites.
Frank loved the sun. He and his wife Lainie bought their dream summer home right on the beach in Humarock. Frank continued to love going there after Lainie’s passing. It was his happy place. He loved enjoying the beautiful sunsets, as well as sunrises. On a warm summer day, if you couldn’t find Frank at his home in Humarock, he was sure to be found out on the open sea on his boat with his closest friend Paul Mahoney. The two shared many fun adventures over the years.
A Funeral Service will be held from the Lane Funeral Home, 760 Main St, Winchester on Wednesday, August 24, 2022, followed by a Funeral Mass Celebrating Frank's Eternal Life in St. Eulalia’s Parish, 50 Ridge St. Winchester at 11 am. Family and friends are cordially invited to gather and share memories with the Family on Tuesday, August 23, 2022, from 4-8pm at the Funeral Home. Interment will take place at Wildwood Cemetery, Winchester.
Robert and MaryEllen would like to thank the Winchester Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility for the excellent care they provided Frank each and every day. As Frank would frequently say, this is the best hotel ever. The service is fantastic! In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in Frank's memory to the Alzheimer’s Association at https://www.alz.org/.
Born on August 19, 1930, in Somerville, Frank was a warm and caring husband, brother, father, uncle friend, and mentor. Frank would have celebrated his 92nd birthday 2 days after his passing. Frank will be truly missed by all who knew him. Frank was preceded in death by his loving wife Elaine, “Lainie” Engel. He was the devoted father of Robert D. Engel (MaryEllen DeRoche). Frank was also preceded in death by his dear siblings Bobby Engel Sr, Florence Flynn, and Mary Engel. He was the brother-in-law of Carol Engel, Lorraine Kickham, Larry and Shelia Foley, Sally Foley, and John Flynn. Frank also leaves behind his companion of many years Cherry Parquette. He is survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Frank’s biggest accomplishment in life was his son Robert. Frank was extremely proud to turn his business over to Robert, a lifelong dream of Frank’s. Excluding his son Robert, Frank’s next biggest accomplishment was his second baby, Air Purchases, the company he founded in 1969 with his brother Bobby and dear friend Bobby Fratus. Frank’s dream was to be self-employed, and he was extremely successful at it. Frank was the founding President of Air Purchases Inc, a wholesale distributor of HVAC equipment. He went on to lead the company for over 50 years. Due to all of Frank’s hard work and dedication Air Purchases is still a thriving company today. Frank was a fantastic boss and mentor to all of his employees. This is attested to by the longevity of many employees to this day. He always valued his employees’ opinions and trusted them completely. Frank believed in his team and loved to promote from within.
Frank was a loyal and dedicated member of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts for many years. He loved the comradery of the Ancients. Frank made many lifelong friends through the Ancients. He was fortunate enough to travel the world with the organization, going to many different countries. Poland, Russia, Italy, Germany, and Spain were all among his favorites.
Frank loved the sun. He and his wife Lainie bought their dream summer home right on the beach in Humarock. Frank continued to love going there after Lainie’s passing. It was his happy place. He loved enjoying the beautiful sunsets, as well as sunrises. On a warm summer day, if you couldn’t find Frank at his home in Humarock, he was sure to be found out on the open sea on his boat with his closest friend Paul Mahoney. The two shared many fun adventures over the years.
A Funeral Service will be held from the Lane Funeral Home, 760 Main St, Winchester on Wednesday, August 24, 2022, followed by a Funeral Mass Celebrating Frank's Eternal Life in St. Eulalia’s Parish, 50 Ridge St. Winchester at 11 am. Family and friends are cordially invited to gather and share memories with the Family on Tuesday, August 23, 2022, from 4-8pm at the Funeral Home. Interment will take place at Wildwood Cemetery, Winchester.
Robert and MaryEllen would like to thank the Winchester Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility for the excellent care they provided Frank each and every day. As Frank would frequently say, this is the best hotel ever. The service is fantastic! In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in Frank's memory to the Alzheimer’s Association at https://www.alz.org/.