Obituary of Franklin Delano Nash

ROCKLAND — It is with great sorrow that the family of Franklin Delano Nash, 86, announce his passing, Friday, June 7, 2019, with his loving wife and daughters at his side. The son of Burleigh and Carrie (Savage) Nash, he was born in Rockland April 20,1933. He was named in honor of then-President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. At an early age he and his father moved to Lynn, Mass., where they resided for several years. When he was 13, Franklin and his father returned to Rockland, where he learned the value of hard work and the American dollar, later instilling those qualities in his daughters. In 1953 at the age of 19, he enlisted in the Army, being stationed in Louisiana staying stateside during the Korean conflict and serving with the military police. Little did he realize this would lead to a career in law enforcement. While home on leave in 1955, his sister Priscilla introduced him to a beautiful young lady, Loretta. It was love at first sight! They were married April 27,1956, just two weeks after Franklin was honorably discharged. He would continue his military service in the National Guard until being honorably discharged in March 1961. In May of 1956 he was hired as a patrolman for the Rockland Police Department, quickly making his way up the ranks to sergeant in 1963, and lieutenant in Oct. 1966. For a short time in 1970, he served as acting chief. Through the years he completed many additional training courses, such as science and criminal procedures, riot control, and command and staff training. Franklin had a strong work ethic, and while serving as a police officer he also served as a driver education instructor, worked for the state of Maine as a weights and measures technician and in numerous patrols as a security guard. Franklin was known throughout the community as being honorable, kind and more than fair. He was respected by so many people who continue to share stories of the wonderful man that he was. His wife and daughters were known as “Lieutenant Nash’s girls.” After retiring in 1979, the simple everyday things brought him much enjoyment such as mowing the lawn, waxing his car, listening to country music and working in his shop. Above all, he cherished his wife and the family which he created. He was often heard saying, “I would never change anything, I have no regrets.” His favorite times were getting together with his daughters and their families, where they enjoyed large family dinners and backyard barbecues. He also enjoyed traveling to Massachusetts to visit his brother Bill and his family, and New Hampshire to visit his sister Priscilla and her family. Most Sundays you would find Franklin and “his girls” enjoying a game of horseshoes at Loren and Ruth's. He also enjoyed playing poker and dominoes with Bruce and Chris. Franklin spent countless hours attending his grandchildren's sporting events, school concerts and plays, as well as watching the local men’s softball games. He enjoyed every minute spent with them. Loretta and Franklin traveled with their family to Louisiana, Florida and Franklin's favorite; Washington, D.C., where he had the opportunity to pay tribute to his military comrades. He was a member of B.P.O.E and the American Legion. Even though Franklin never had any sons of his own, he loved and treated his four sons-in-law as if they were his. Franklin and Loretta always provided a loving home for their daughters. There was always a houseful of kids. It was central station to many. He was loved and adored by his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and will be deeply missed by them all! Franklin was predeceased by his parents, sisters Priscilla, Irene and Louise, brothers Bill, Robert and Russel, granddaughter Kilei, grandsons David Franklin and Sheldon, and son-in-law Scott. Franklin is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Loretta; and his four daughters: Carol and her husband, Steve Carey, Julie Curtis, Pamela and her husband, Michael Gay, Lisa and her husband, Bud Carleton; 13 grandchildren, Ben, Tiffany, Michael, Mitchell, Melissa, Cassie, Michelle, Jessica, Taylor, Alyssa. Olivia, Evan, Eliza; and 19 great-grandchildren, Michael, Eli, Tristian, Erin, Brody, Reese, Riley, Jace, Kilei, Troy, AJ., Kayden, Kaetlyn, Abigail, Adalynn, Gracie, Lilly, Noah and Xander. Franklin was also anxiously awaiting the arrival of twin great-grandsons. Franklin is also survived by his miniature Yorkie and faithful companion, Daisy, whom he adored. A graveside service will be held on Sunday July 28, at 12:30 p.m. at Rockville Cemetery in Rockport, followed by a gathering at his daughter Lisa’s house in Owls Head. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to PAWS Animal Adoption Center, 123 John St., Camden ME 04843. The family would like to extend a special thank-you to Dr. Jack Waterman and Dr. Ralph Hamill for their many years of loving care which allowed us to spend years with our “Grampy,” which we will cherish forever! We would also like to thank the nurses from Maine Home Health, Pen Bay Medical Center, Sussman House, and Bella Pointe. Thank you all, for allowing this amazing man to die with dignity, his family by his side and the respect which he so rightfully deserved. He is and will forever be our hero.