Francis Whittaker at 70
Francis E. Whittaker, 70, of Holliston passed away suddenly on March 20, 2011. He was the husband of Beverly Ann Whittaker.
Frank was born on his mother's, Esther [Bassick] Whittaker’s 30th birthday, September 4, 1940, in Boston. He grew up in Natick, graduating from Saint Patrick School. In high school, he was president of the CYO. Following his graduation from Natick High School, he attended Northeastern University, studying both mechanical and electrical engineering. He received his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering degree in 1970.
While attending Northeastern, he met and married his wife of 47 years B. Ann [Johnston] Whittaker and moved to Holliston.
He was the father of Catherine [Whittaker] and her husband Michael Cryan of Haverhill, MA; E. Douglas and his wife Cecilia [Weber] Whittaker of Slidell, LA; as well as James and his wife Maryrose [Ansupo] Whittaker of Holliston.
“Grandpa Frank” was a devoted grandfather to Lillian, Rosalie and Heather Cryan of Haverhill; Gus, Samantha, and Danielle Whittaker of Slidell; and Harrison, Casey and Grace Whittaker of Holliston. He spent many hours doing fun stuff and playing in boats with them during summers at “Grandpa’s Lake House” on Sebec Lake in Dover-Foxcroft, ME.
He is also survived by his mother, Esther Whittaker [100] of Milford, MA, as well as his sister Carolyn [Whittaker] and her husband Tom Carey of Bellingham, MA; his brother John [Jack] and his wife Joan Whittaker of Scituate, MA. He had four nieces and one nephew as well as a number of grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
During his career as an electro-mechanical engineer, Frank worked for Walker Magnetics in Worcester where he co-invented the patented Load Tilting Magnetic Lift. He also worked for Textron Systems Corp. formerly Avco in Wilmington for many years.
In his free time, Frank enjoyed renovating his antique 1863 colonial, as well as restoring his lap-strake wooden Chris Craft and Pen-Yan boats for use on Sebec Lake. He also spent many hours doing woodworking, restoring furniture and organic gardening. He was an avid photographer throughout his life.
In his many years with the Holliston Curtaintimers, Frank served as Technical Director, designing and building sets, designing set lighting, and creating all the needed special sound effects needed for numerous theatrical performances. Whenever needed, he would step out onto stage in various supporting roles.
Frank also left his mark on the landscape of the Town of Holliston, spending many years on the Planning and Zoning Boards during the years of increased development in the 1970s and 1980s. During those years he spent many weekend and evening hours visiting the proposed developments, and following their progress to be sure they followed the approved plans.
As he approached his retirement years, Frank retired from the Planning Board, so he could spend more time during the summer months at his “camp” on Sebec Lake, fishing, swimming and boating as well as helping friends and neighbors with assorted camp-improvement projects. He always had whatever tool was asked for, and frequently had a better tool and an easier way to accomplish the task at hand. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Visiting hours were held on Thursday, March 24, 2011 from 4-8 PM in the John Everett & Sons Funeral Home, 4 Park Street (at Natick Common) NATICK. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated in St. Patrick's Church on Friday morning, March 25, 2011 at 10:00 AM. Burial followed in the Whittaker Family lot at St. Patrick's Cemetery in Natick.