Obituary: Francis "Frank" Edward Guinan, Jr., 81, of New London

Information via Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Homes

Francis "Frank" Edward Guinan, Jr., affectionately known as "FEG", 81, passed away at home in the care of his loving family on Tuesday, January 24.

For most of his life he resided in New London, calling Thames Street "home" for more than 58 years. Born in Brooklyn, New York on October 11, 1935, the son of Francis Edward and Johanna (O'Conner) Guinan. Frank was married to the love of his life Frances (Fran) Pirrotto, on June 1, 1957 at St. Brendan Church in Brooklyn, NY.

He will be greatly missed by; son Robert and wife London; daughter Kathleen; daughter Debra Guinan-Morizio and husband Robert; 7 grandchildren Kevin, Erin, Patrick, Edward, Parris, Carmine and Robert; sister Joann (Guinan) Doherty and husband James; many nieces and nephews and a wealth of friends.

He was predeceased by his wife Frances (Pirrotto) Guinan in 2014, his parents, son Edward, and sisters Patricia (Guinan) O'Grady and Barbara (Guinan) Molter.

He relocated to New London, CT in 1958 with Fran, to pursue his career at Electric Boat and retired after 38 years as Chief of Design Coordinator proudly representing Design and Engineering on many sea trials, including the first Trident of the OHIO Class submarine. Before relocating to New London, Frank attended St. Augustine Diocesan High School in Brooklyn, NY and Brooklyn College prior to enjoying employment at Philip L. Rhodes Naval Architect Firm Inc. in lower Manhattan. Growing up he was a Brooklyn Dodgers fan until their relocation and then became a New York Yankees fan.

Frank was a devout parishioner of St. Joseph's Church in New London and was a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. He was also an honorary member of the VFW Post 3263 Mystic, CT, via his son Robert. Ever gregarious and ready to engage in great conversation or tell an illustrious story, Frank's favorite moments included entertaining family and friends overlooking his and Fran's beautiful gardens. Frank was an avid collector of stamps and also of fine wines, often enjoying a glass on his patio while watching the ferries and occasional submarine sail by on the Thames River.

Family was always the center of Frank's heart, always there to help, guide or pass on his knowledge. Throughout his life he enjoyed the challenge of fixing just about anything and crafting things anew using his woodworking and mechanical skills.

In his younger years, he enjoyed boating and fishing on the Long Island Sound with family and friends. The ocean and all things nautical were deeply imbedded in his soul.

Visiting hours will be at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 12 Ocean Avenue, New London on Sunday, January 29, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 30 at St. Joseph's Church, Montauk Avenue, New London. Interment will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in New London.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Frank's memory to: Masonicare Home Health and Hospice P.O. Box 70, Wallingford, CT 06492 masonicare.org