DANVERS, Mass. – Frank Pickering, 77, died peacefully Tuesday, March 3, 2009. He was a native of Deer Isle, graduating from Deer Isle High School in 1949. He and his wife, Clara (Howard), also of Deer Isle, made their home in Danvers, Mass., near their son and daughter, their spouses and five grandchildren. Frank graduated from the University of Maine, Orono, in 1953 with a Bachelors of Science in mechanical engineering. He received a Masters of Science in mechanical engineering from Northeastern University in 1958. Frank joined General Electric Co., Lynn, Mass., in 1953. He spent his entire career with G.E. Aircraft Engines, involved in the design, development, manufacture and product support of military and commercial aircraft engines. Some of the highlights of Frank’s career included a design engineer on the T58, T64 and J85 engine compressors, design manager for the T64, TF34 and J101, prototype for the F404 engine. Frank was general manager of the Lynn, Mass., and Cincinnati Aircraft Engine Engineering Divisions, elected vice president for General Electric in 1980 and chief engineer in 1991. He retired in 1992. He was a member of Tau Beta Pi. Frank was recognized with the Donald F. “Truly” Warner Award, SAE Cliff Garrett Turbo-machinery Engineering Award, AIAA Air Breathing Propulsion Award, Distinguished Engineering Award from University of Maine, Block M Award from the University of Maine, inducted into the GE Aircraft Engine Propulsion Hall of Fame and elected fellow for the AIAA. He was also elected to the National Academy of Engineering. Since retirement, Frank served as a consultant to GE Aircraft Engines and Power Systems, President’s Development Council for the University of Maine, House Association for the Sigma Chi Fraternity Chapter at University of Maine, president of the University of Maine, Class of 1953, Board of Trustees of Maple Street Congregational Church and member of the University of Maine Senior Alumni Executive Committee. Frank was an Eagle Scout, Marine Masonic Lodge AF & AM of Deer Isle, 50-year member, Holten Royal Arch Chapter of Danvers, Sigma Chi Fraternity, lifetime member, the University of Maine Black Bear Club, Danvers Fish and Game Club, Boat U.S. and Red Sox Nation. Frank’s interests included saltwater fishing, boating, Red Sox and he was a sports enthusiast. Maple Street Congregational Church and the University of Maine were very important parts of his life. Deer Isle held a very special place in his heart. Family always came first and foremost. In addition to his loving wife of 55 years, Frank is survived by his daughter, Diane Belanger and her husband, Roland, of Danvers, Mass.; his son, Larry Pickering and his wife, Betty, of Danvers, Mass.; and his grandchildren, Mike Pickering and his fianc?e, Sandra Burrows, Jim Pickering, Steve Pickering, Jen Belanger and Kristen Belanger. Relatives and friends are invited to visiting hours 3-7 p.m. Saturday, March 7, at Peterson-O’Donnell Funeral Home, 167 Maple St., Route 62, Danvers, Mass. His funeral service and burial will be held in May at Deer Isle. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Frank’s memory to the University of Maine Alumni Association, Buchanan Alumni House, One Alumni Place, Orono, ME 04469-5792. Online guest book at www.legacy.com.
FRANK E. PICKERING
