BANGOR – Francis J. Trainor, 92, died May 11, 2009, surrounded by family at a local hospital. He was born Jan. 15, 1917, in New York City, the son of James and Laura McCabe Trainor. A graduate of George Washington High School Francis left New York in 1938 to work as a messenger at the newly established Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, Washington, D.C. While working at SEC, he took college courses at night, graduating from George Washington University in 1944. In early 1942 he had enlisted in the U.S. Navy, and earned his ensign’s commission after graduation. In April 1942, Francis married Martha Ann Stuckel, his beloved wife of 62 years, until her death in March 2005. During World War II, he served as supply officer aboard the destroyer USS Isherwood, DD-520. In April 1945, at the Battle of Okinawa, the ship was struck by a kamikaze plane and knocked out of action, suffering the loss of many men. In the 1970s Francis spearheaded the first Isherwood World War II wardroom reunion, which has continued annually and expanded to include all crewmembers serving at any time in Isherwood. After the war he began his civilian career with the Department of the Navy, where he was instrumental in establishing purchasing offices in support of fleet operations around the world. He was the principal author of the Navy’s field procurement manual, which became known as the bible of Navy field purchasing. Francis also served on active duty during the Korean War and continued service in the U.S. Navy Reserve, retiring as a lieutenant commander. For more than 20 years he coached youth baseball in McLean, Va., winning many championships in both Babe Ruth and CYO leagues. After his Navy career, Francis and Martha retired to Port Republic, in southern New Jersey, near the town where Martha grew up on a family farm. Francis recently attended his youngest grandchild’s college graduation, a milestone he was able to celebrate with each of his grandchildren. Even in his 93rd year, he remained a gifted raconteur, an armchair historian, and a keen observer of national and world affairs. Ever gracious and ready to socialize, his kindness, generosity and mischievous humor earned him a special place in the hearts of his grandchildren and many of their friends. He is survived by sons, Kevin and his wife, Linda, of Twin Falls, Idaho, and Michael and his wife, Ann, of Veazie. He took great pride in and relished the company of his grandchildren, Brendan Trainor of Hampden, Meghan Trainor of Helena, Mont., Dylan Trainor of Veazie, Whitney Trainor of Palo Alto, Calif., and Kevin Trainor of Orono. Also surviving are his sisters-in-law, Pauline Stuckel of Egg Harbor, N.J., and Charlotte Lenkowsky of Bronxville, N.Y. He leaves many nieces and nephews, with whom he maintained fond relationships. He is also survived by his dear friend and Isherwood shipmate, Herman Gottfried of Cape Cod, Mass., and Florida. He was predeceased by his brother, John; and his sister, Margaret. The family will hold a private memorial service at a later date. Gifts in his memory may be made to Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301.
FRANCIS J. TRAINOR
