CANTON — Frank Dalessandro Jr., 86, a resident of Livermore Falls for most of his life, died early Saturday, April 14, at Victorian Villa Rehabilitation and Living Center.

He was born Aug. 27, 1925, in Livermore Falls, the son of Frank Dalessandro Sr. and Leona Richards Dalessandro. He was a 1944 graduate of Livermore Falls High School. He served in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Ocean Theatre of World War II and the Battle of Okinawa.

Frank served as a storekeeper until the ship was destroyed May 4, 1945, after being hit by a Japanese plane in a kamikaze raid during a battle at Okinawa. After 18 months of hospitalization and many skin grafts, he was honorably discharged.

On Aug. 28, 1952, he married his wife of 59 years, Meredith Monk. They became the proud parents of two sons, Stephen Paul and David Wayne. Frank worked for IP at the Otis and Androscoggin Mills in Jay; he worked in the super calendar and stock prep departments and retired in 1987 after 27 years of service.

He was a dedicated member of the First Baptist Church of Livermore Falls and an associate member of the Hebron Community Baptist Church. He was also a member of the IP Quarter Century Club, the Oriental Star Masonic Lodge No. 21, proudly receiving his 50-year membership pin presented to him at the nursing home, American Legion George Bunten Post No. 10, especially enjoying the years in the Blue Falcon Drum and Bugle Corps, a life member of the Frank L. Mitchell VFW Post No. 3335, and Past Worthy Patron of Washburn Chapter No. 52 Order of the Eastern Star.

He enjoyed skiing at Saddleback, Sugarloaf and especially adult night at Spruce Mountain. Card games were also favorite activities; bridge, cribbage and gin rummy.

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He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend and will be greatly missed by those who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Meredith Dalessandro of Livermore Falls; his sons and their wives, Stephen and Nancy Dalessandro of Lewiston and David and Kelly Dalesandro, Rensselaer, N.Y.; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents; his brothers, Lawrence, Reginald and Richard Dalessandro; and his sister, Glenis Spydell.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Androscoggin Home Careh and Hospice, Victorian Villa and Dr. Wilson Eastman for their dedicated care to Frank.

Messages of condolence may be sent to: www.finleyfuneralhome.com.


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