Francis H. “Stretch” Burnham, 89, a native and lifelong Nashua resident, passed away peacefully at his home at the Hunt Community, Friday evening, February 19, 2016.
Born in Nashua on January 2, 1927, he was a son of the late Roy F. and Florence G. (Bobick) Burnham. A graduate of the Nashua High School Class of 1944, Frank enlisted in the Navy in July 1944 and served in the Pacific Theater as a Seaman First Class during World War II. After his honorable discharge in July 1946, Frank continued his education at Colby College where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in History.
Mr. Burnham worked as an Administration’s Manager for Liberty Mutual Insurance Company in Boston, MA; East Orange, NJ; and Portsmouth, NH from 1950 to 1992.
Frank was a former member of the Nashua Planning Board and served on the Capital Improvements Committee during the late 1970s and early 1980s. A lifelong communicant of St. Patrick’s Church, he was a lector and served on the Parish Council for many years. He also held memberships in the USS Antietam C.V. Association, the Disabled American Veterans, the Nashua Historical Society, RISE and AARP.
On September 11, 1954, Frank married Jacquelyn T. Downey, also a native of this city. They enjoyed traveling throughout the USA, including Alaska and Europe and their vacation home in Chatham, MA. Frank also loved spending time with his family and friends and especially enjoyed going to The Little Lobster Boat with his lifelong buddies, John Nolan; Arthur Comolli, DDM; Armand Duclos; and Charlie Farwell.
Frank was predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Jacquelyn, who passed away March 22, 2011; and his sister-in-law, Mary M. Downey, on January 15, 2016.
Members of his family include his six children and their spouses, Debra Mackey of Sudbury, MA; Margaret and Steve Thornton of Keene; Susan and Anthony Diggins of Nashua; Martha Drukker of Nottingham; John and Susan Burnham of Nashua; and Mary Ellen Burnham of Tacoma, WA; as well as six grandchildren, Sarah and Emily Diggins of Nashua; Meghan and Abbey Thornton of Keene; and Jack and Dow Drukker of Nottingham; a great-grandson, Carter Anthony Vegas; his brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Esther Burnham of Deansboro, NY; and a niece and three nephews.
Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, on Friday, February 26th from 4 to 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s Church, 29 Spring Street, Nashua, Saturday morning at 10 o’clock. Friends are invited to attend. Interment will take place at St. Patrick Cemetery in Hudson at a later date. Donations may be made to the Hunt Community Scholarship Fund, 10 Allds Street, Nashua, NH 03060; or to RISE, care of Rivier University, 420 South Main Street, Nashua, NH 03060. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneralservice.com
