Obituary for Bill Franks
William “Bill” Franks of Tyngsboro passed away this week after living a long, fulfilling life. He was the beloved husband of Elaine (Scarvalas) Franks. Bill and Elaine celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary on May 10, 2022, on the heels of his 90th birthday party in April. He was the son of the late John Otto and Edith (Tilton) Franks. Bill grew up in Lowell, graduated from Lowell High School in 1950, served in the US Navy as a Radar Man aboard the USS Freemont APA 44 during the Korean War, and graduated from Bryant University Class of 1957 with a degree in Business Administration.
During his working career, he owned/operated two area businesses: Bill’s at the Lake, Lakeview Park Dracut, and the Belvedere Car Wash in Lowell. After retiring from Textron Defense Systems Division as a Proposal Estimator, he developed and built the Laconia Heights Condominium Complex on Melissa Way in Laconia, NH and was a private real estate lender.
Bill was a lifelong member of both the Calvary Baptist Church, where he was an Emeritus Trustee, as well as the Lowell YMCA, where he served for many years on its Board of Trustees' Alumni Association. Bill was an active member of the Andover Squash Club; a Trustee of the Tyngsboro Library for nine years; a life member of the Masonic Lodge Ancient York; a member of the Tyngsboro American Legion and the Tyngsboro Sportsman’s club; a member of UMass Lowell’s Learning in Retirement Association, where he taught a Bridge class; and a proud member of the President’s Council of Bryant University. He pitched softball for more than 20 years in Lowell leagues and enjoyed playing competitive handball, racquetball, and squash.
In addition to his loving wife, Bill is survived by their two cherished children, John Jay of Miami, Florida and Melissa Ann of Lowell, along with his half-sister Carrie Cummings, his sister-in-law Christine Salvia, and Pepa (A.J.) Salvia. He was pre-deceased by his brother-in-law Joseph Salvia. Bill also leaves many long and cherished friendships.
Visiting hours will be held on Friday, January 13th from 4pm to 7pm at the Blake Chelmsford Funeral Home, 24 Worthen St., Chelmsford. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday at 10am at Calvary Baptist Church, 60 Hastings St., Lowell. KINDLY GATHER AT THE CHURCH. Interment will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill’s memory to the Greater Lowell Family YMCA, 35 YMCA Drive, Lowell, MA 01852.
During his working career, he owned/operated two area businesses: Bill’s at the Lake, Lakeview Park Dracut, and the Belvedere Car Wash in Lowell. After retiring from Textron Defense Systems Division as a Proposal Estimator, he developed and built the Laconia Heights Condominium Complex on Melissa Way in Laconia, NH and was a private real estate lender.
Bill was a lifelong member of both the Calvary Baptist Church, where he was an Emeritus Trustee, as well as the Lowell YMCA, where he served for many years on its Board of Trustees' Alumni Association. Bill was an active member of the Andover Squash Club; a Trustee of the Tyngsboro Library for nine years; a life member of the Masonic Lodge Ancient York; a member of the Tyngsboro American Legion and the Tyngsboro Sportsman’s club; a member of UMass Lowell’s Learning in Retirement Association, where he taught a Bridge class; and a proud member of the President’s Council of Bryant University. He pitched softball for more than 20 years in Lowell leagues and enjoyed playing competitive handball, racquetball, and squash.
In addition to his loving wife, Bill is survived by their two cherished children, John Jay of Miami, Florida and Melissa Ann of Lowell, along with his half-sister Carrie Cummings, his sister-in-law Christine Salvia, and Pepa (A.J.) Salvia. He was pre-deceased by his brother-in-law Joseph Salvia. Bill also leaves many long and cherished friendships.
Visiting hours will be held on Friday, January 13th from 4pm to 7pm at the Blake Chelmsford Funeral Home, 24 Worthen St., Chelmsford. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday at 10am at Calvary Baptist Church, 60 Hastings St., Lowell. KINDLY GATHER AT THE CHURCH. Interment will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill’s memory to the Greater Lowell Family YMCA, 35 YMCA Drive, Lowell, MA 01852.