FARMINGTON — Frank P. Dingley, 86, died peacefully in his sleep at the Orchard Park Rehabilitaion and Living Center, Aug. 17.

Frank was born June 21, 1926, in Farmington to Roland Sylvester and Cordana Coolidge Dingley. He grew up in a loving and caring family with his parents, two brothers, Eddie and Dana, and two sisters, Jackie and Sally.

He was part of a large extended family that included the Dingleys, Austins and Morrills. Frank attended elementary school in Farmington and graduated from Farmington High School, where he excelled in football, baseball and basketball. Shortly after starting college, Frank followed his two brothers into the Air Force, where he served as a tail gunner on a B29. At the end of World War II, he was discharged with the rank of sergeant.

After attending the University of Maine and receiving his teaching degree, Frank started his teaching career in Augusta. He soon moved to Farmington, where he taught and was principal of the Ingalls School for many years and later at the Farmington Middle School. Frank positively influenced the lives of many young people with his 33 years in the teaching profession.

On June 15, 1952, Frank married Jean Whitney in Farmington and they had two sons, Peter and Jon. Jean and Frank recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

From a young age, Frank developed a fascination with antiques and this became a lifetime devotion. He operated his antique shop on Maple Avenue for many years and was considered very knowledgeable in early American antiques and served for many years in the leadership of the Maine Antique Association.

Frank served the Farmington community in many different ways. He taught Red Cross swimming in Stratton and at the Pine Tree Camp for Crippled Children. He was a member of the Henderson Memorial Baptist Church and served as deacon, Sunday school teacher and Sunday school superintendent. Frank was also a member of the Farmington Historical Society, where he served as curator for many years. In 2011, Frank was honored in Augusta by the Maine Health Care Association as a “Remember Me” honoree for his many years of community service.

Frank is survived by his wife Jean; two sons, Peter and wife, Lorraine, and Jon and wife, Laurel; grandchildren, Kathryn and husband, Kevin, and their sons, Michael and Alexander, Andrew, Nadean, Cordana and Corinne; friend, Lori Thayer; brother, Dana; sister, Sally and husband, Gearry Ranger; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; brother, Eddie; and sister, Jackie.