FRANK ERNEST PELKEY, JR.
February 3, 1920 - March 18, 2012Colchester/Essex Center, Frank E. Pelkey, Jr., 92 of West Lakeshore Drive, died peacefully with his family by his side, Sunday March 18, 2012 in Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington.
Frank was born February 3, 1920 in Charlotte, the son of the late Frank E. Pelkey Sr. and Rose Raymond Pelkey. He attended schools in Westford, Essex Center and Winooski. After completing the seventh grade, he began working at the Queen City Cotton Company and the Winooski Woolen Mill/American Woolen Company during the depression years.
He married the love of his life; Lucia “Tootie” Pafundi on July 29, 1941. Through the years he held many jobs; Troy Blanket Mill, Twin City Cotton Company, Bell-Aircraft, Pratt and Whitney, a bulldozer operator, construction at the University of Vermont, from there he went to General Electric in October of 1948, where he worked as a Master Machinist (Class A) then a Tool and Die Maker. Frank mastered many jobs before retiring in 1981. In 1958, with his wife by his side, they opened the very successful Frank’s Motorcycle Sales and Service Center in Essex Center. Together they raised 12 children. Frank and Tootie moved to Colchester in May 1985 and operated Crafts by Tootie.
Frank had many talents which included woodworking, an extraordinary ability to design and build all kinds of ‘contraptions’, of which everyone appreciated. He also loved growing his heirloom tomatoes, picking strawberries, blueberries, and more during the summer.
We love and will miss you so very much and will miss hearing you say “See you later Ol Buddy”!
Frank is survived by his children; Joanne Packard, her husband, Lawrence of Essex, Anthony Pelkey and wife, Aline of Sparta, TN., Denis Pelkey and partner, Debi Wickman of Cookeville, TN., Lester Pelkey his wife, Jeannette and family of Essex Center, Philip Pelkey his wife, Dawn and family of Fletcher, Dolores Pelkey and her family of Williston, Colleen Rathburn her husband, Brian and family of Essex, Melissa LaFrance her husband, Randy and family of Williston, Timothy Pelkey his wife, Debra and family of Milton, Theodore Pelkey his wife, Michelle and family of Westford; Daughter in law, Maureen Pelkey and family of St. Albans, 20 Grandchildren; 25 Great Grand Children, his sister, Arlene Gordon of Burlington and several nieces and nephews and his very dear friends, Coke and Lorraine Brigante and their families. He also leaves his most beautiful “Lady” dog.
Frank was predeceased by his wife of 66 years, Lucia in 2007, two sons; Frank E. Pelkey III and Nicholas D. Pelkey, his granddaughter, JoAnn “Sissy” Simmons, his grandson Bryan Packard, three sisters; Rena Kilburn, Ruth Gonder and Phoebe Lessor. Three brothers; Percy Pelkey, Floyd Pelkey and George Pelkey.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, March 22, 2012 at 11 AM in Holy Cross Catholic Church in Colchester with Fr. Julian Asucan celebrant. Burial will follow in St. Francis Xavier Cemetery in Winooski.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
Visiting Hours will be held on Wednesday March 21, 2012 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM in the Minor Funeral Home in Milton.
Online condolences may be made at
www.minorfh.com
