Frank S. Draper Jr.

LEWISTON – It is with sadness for our loss and joy for his next adventure that we announce the passing of Frank S. Draper Jr. early on the morning of Sept. 27, 2022 under the care and support of some wonderful people at the Androscoggin Hospice House in Auburn.

“Sandy”, as he was quick to correct anyone who might try to refer to him as Frank, lived a good life, albeit full of challenges, for over 63 years and did so, for the most part on his own terms. He was a free spirit and about of telling people what he thought, what he wanted, and what he didn’t want or liked. He developed this strength of character (sometimes viewed as stubbornness by the outside world) from his mother, Katharine, and out of a need to speak up for himself when others did not view him as capable of doing so.

He lived in a variety of places throughout his adult life. He spent a number of years at Pineland Center in New Gloucester before its closure and subsequently received services and supports to live as independently as possible in the Lewiston Auburn area, as well as Westbrook for a brief period of time. John F Murphy Homes provided for his care for many years. When circumstances dictated a change, Residential Resources of Maine was able to provide a home for him in Westbrook for a few years, followed by his return to Lewiston with Granite Bay Care Inc. for the final years of his life. Sandy was not always one to heap praise, show appreciation, or express gratitude for the things people did on his behalf, but deep down inside everyone who knew him recognized that this was there waiting to come out.

Sandy had a wonderful smile that could light up a room. His sense of humor and his joy for pulling pranks made us all laugh. Sometimes it was difficult to distinguish between when he was serious and when he was pulling your leg, which was part of the game and what made things fun.

Sandy had a strong sense of family and they held a special place in his heart throughout his life. His father passed away at an early age but he never forgot Frank Sr. His mother played a dominant role in his childhood which carried over into his adult life until her passing a few years back. He had two sisters, Judy and Cindi, along with extended family that he talked about as though he had seen them yesterday. At times, one would think that Sandy knew every person in the state of Maine. Everywhere he went it was not surprising that there would be people for whom he would greet by name or who would recognize him and say hello. He made friends everywhere and those friends endured throughout his life.

But it is most important to recognize the caregivers who spent so much time making his quality of life the best it could be. These wonderful people may have been paid to provide the services and support he needed, but every place he went there were many people working in those homes and for those agencies who took their support and responsibilities to another level. Those individuals did not view him in the work with him as a job. They saw Sandy as a person in this special bond that they developed with him transcended the role of a provider, respecting him as a person of value and their friend. They took him to sporting events, talked with him about the things that interested him (even if they knew very little about the subject matter) and that was fine with Sandy because he could then claim that he knew more than they did.

A specific date and time for burial have not been identified. He will be interred at the Gracelawn Cemetery in Auburn along with his mother. For those wishing to pay respects to him or be part of a celebration of his life are welcome to contact Sandy’s friend and Guardian, Scott Gregory at: [email protected] for details.

Arrangements are under the care of Albert and Burpee Funeral Home in Lewiston. Online condolences and fond memories may be shared at http://albert-burpee.com.

Those wishing to do so are welcome to make donations on his behalf to:

Androscoggin Hospice House

236 Stetson Rd.,

Auburn, ME 04210,

Granite Bay Care Inc.

2338 Congress St.,

Portland, ME 04102, or

Special Olympics Maine

525 Main St. Unit D

South Portland, ME 04106