1921 – 2015
BRUNSWICK — Frank W. Jurgilas passed away peacefully with his family in attendance on Monday, Aug. 10, at the Horizons Living and Rehab Center. Frank had been residing at Brunswick’s Thornton Hall, an assisted living facility, for the past five years after moving from Rumford/Mexico, the place he had called home for 89 years.
He was born in Rumford on March 22, 1921, to Frank and Annie (Velush) Jurgilas. Frank was a graduate of Mexico High School and went on to Becker College in Worcester, Mass., where he received a business degree.
Up to and including his college years, Frank was an accomplished musician, playing both the saxophone and violin in community symphonies and music groups, including Rumford’s local Lithuanian St. Rocco’s Hall Band.
During World War II, Frank served in the U.S. Navy on the USS Storm King in the Pacific. Frank’s ship was in port in Los Angeles when VJ-Day was announced and he met up with his childhood friend, Leo Marsanskis. After a day of celebrating, the two were caught swimming in actor Lorne Greene’s pool. Greene offered them his pool house for the night and joined them for breakfast the next day. Another fond memory while in the service was being chosen by Marlene Dietrich to dance at a USO club.
The true highlight of his time in the Navy was meeting the love of his life, Doris Runnacles, on a blind date while on leave in North Arlington, N.J. Frank and Doris were married in 1946 and settled in Rumford. They happily raised their family while he was employed in the meter/instrumentation department of the Rumford Paper Mill.
Frank enjoyed dancing with his wife, and quite often, they frequented the dances held at the Rumford Eagles Club, the VFW and American Legion Hall, all of which he was a member.
He was predeceased by his wife, Doris; sister, Adele Mahoney; son-in-law, Larry Gill; and grandchild, Aaron Gill.
Frank is survived by his daughter, Barbara Gill of Auburn; son, Frank Jurgilas and his wife, Susan, of Harpswell; grandchildren, Lara (Gill) Crandall, Tracey (Gill) McLennen, Sasha Jurgilas-Foster and Ian Jurgilas; and three great-grandchildren, Noah, Holley and Leo.
Frank’s family would like to thank the staff at Horizons Living and Rehab Center for their exceptional professional and compassionate care during a very difficult time.
Memories and condolences can be shared at www.brackettfuneralhome.com.
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