Gloucester - Frank Ronaldson LaFrance, 93, of Gloucester, passed away peacefully at home on December 13, 2025, surrounded by his beloved family, including his wife of 68 years.

Born on March 23, 1932, in Gloucester, MA, he was the son of the late John LaFrance and Agnes (Amirault) LaFrance. Frank was a lifelong resident of Gloucester and began his long working career at the age of 12 at Sullivan's Corner Drugstore.

Frank graduated from Gloucester High School in 1950 and joined the U.S. Naval Reserve in January 1951, where he served as an Engineer and Instructor until his honorable discharge as Petty Officer First Class in 1963.

Frank met Shirley, the love of his life and wife of 68 years, at a dance in Rockport in 1951. They were married in 1957, after which Frank began laying the foundation blocks for what would become their family home at 848 Washington Street. While working full time at Lane's Garage, Frank, along with his father John and cousin Lee Digou—calling themselves "The Moonlight Construction Company"—completed the six-room home where Frank lived until his passing.

Following high school, Frank began a 30-year career as an auto mechanic at Lane's Garage in Annisquam, where he worked until 1980. He formed lifelong friendships there and earned the affection of the Annisquam community, becoming an honorary member of Annisquam Village. In 1980, Frank began a new chapter at Varian, where he applied his mechanical expertise as a Senior Maintenance Mechanical Technician until his retirement in 2001. Due to his extensive experience and skill, he was asked to return to Varian in 2004 to teach New Hire Safety Orientation and conduct Fire Inspections, a role he continued until his full retirement in 2015. Never one to truly stop working, Frank continued performing small-engine repairs out of his own garage until 2020.

Frank held many leadership positions in local organizations and was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and Fourth Degree, Father Druilette Assembly, during the 1970s and 1980s. A devoted Catholic, he served as an usher at Sacred Heart Church until its decommissioning in 2005.

A true Renaissance man, Frank was fondly known as the family "weatherman" and a trusted source of knowledge. He had a remarkable ability to fix just about anything, and people from all over Gloucester sought out his help and advice.

Perhaps most notably, Frank will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to the people of Gloucester. In 1963, he became an auxiliary member of the Gloucester Civil Defense Fire Department, serving out of the Bay View and Old East Gloucester stations. In 1974, while volunteering, he became a Nationally Registered EMT. Over the course of 37 years, Frank faithfully served the city and its youth. He held the rank of Lieutenant on the Rescue Squad and provided EMT coverage for Gloucester High School varsity hockey and football home games for nearly four decades.

Known for his warm smile and vitality, Frank was a familiar and cherished presence at George's Coffee Shop, where he rose daily at 5:30 a.m. to join friends for morning coffee. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Frank is survived by his beloved wife, Shirley (Cavanaugh) LaFrance; his daughter, Mireille LaFrance-Coakley, of Gloucester; his grandchildren, Julia and Aiden Coakley, of Reading; his great-grandchild, Jueda Martin; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours in the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., followed by his funeral service at 11:00 a.m. A private burial will be held at a later date.

Contributions may be made in Frank's name to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38015-9959 or online at www.stjude.org

Arrangements by Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester, MA.

For online condolences please visit www.greelyfuneralhome.com