It is with indescribable heartache and sadness that we announce the passing of Frank Gress, 83 years old, at UConn Hospital in Farmington after a brief illness on July 6. He was born in Bristol on Dec. 22, 1939.
Frank was the beloved and best friend to Hughette Gress (Beaulieu) with whom he shared 61 happy years together. He also is survived by his daughter Lynn H. Dunn (Gress), Frank was predeceased by his younger daughter on Jan. 20, 2023, Michelle Rose Masse (Gress) who fought Alzheimer’s Disease with courage.
Frank cherished his family and would always do anything for them before his own needs. Growing up, Frank was an altar boy at St. Joseph Church, and he graduated from St Anthony High School in 1958 where he enjoyed playing first base on the baseball team. He was active in boy scouting and was so proud when he became an Eagle Scout.
After high school he joined the Air Force and was stationed in Korea, then Loring Air Force Base in Limestone, Maine. A short distance was New Brunswick, Canada. Frank always told his story that he started to dream about going to New Brunswick, so over the river he went where he met the Love of his life Hughette who will always love and miss him!
Frank took great pride in serving his country and was honorably discharged. His two daughters followed in his footsteps. Lynn served 21 years in the Air Force, Michelle served in the Army, and both served during Desert Storm. Frank and Hughette settled in his hometown of Bristol where he took a job at Pratt & Whitney for over 30 years and worked his way to Foreman, which he loved. He also developed two patents to save money and time for Pratt & Whitney Engines.
Residing in the same home for 58 years where many cherished memories were shared over the years. Frank was well respected by all who met him and was a genuine loyal friend and neighbor. He was an usher for many years at the same parish, St Gregory the Great, Bristol. Frank had many hobbies, he loved camping, gardening, grilling, playing cards, going on cruises, dancing every Saturday night, loved riding his Gold Wing Motorcycle, family trips to Canada every summer.
He always was a proud Red Sox fan and was always updating the family Genealogy history. He was the best handy-man and could fix almost anything. Frank will be remembered by his smile and laugh and always making you laugh with his jokes. He loved playing Santa Claus, it was his favorite to see the kids so happy!
Frank is survived by his wife Hughette Gress and daughter Lynn Dunn and sister Carol Notarangelo, grand-daughters Meghann Mendez (Gress-Dunn) husband Jualbert Mendez, Alexandra Willard and son-in-law Dean Masse. Sister-in-law Sylvaine Lemmel (Stan), Jacinthe Reid (Kevin) & Michel Gagnon, niece Carole Beaulieu, and many cousins.
Instead of donations Frank always said be kind to your neighbors, family and friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, Aug. 25, at 11 a.m. at St Gregory the Great Church, 235 Maltby St., Bristol, with military honors to follow Mass.
Guests are asked to please go directly to the church. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. There are no calling hours. Funk Funeral Home is honored to serve the Gress family.
Please visit Frank’s memorial website at www.FunkFuneralHome.com.
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