FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Frank Tingley, 91, beloved husband of Wynona Tingley, passed away peacefully Monday, Feb. 28, 2011. He was born June 1, 1919, in Island Falls, to Elizabeth Downs Tingley and Harry G. Tingley.
Frank always said he lived an idyllic childhood in Island Falls and returned there every summer to his camp on Pleasant Pond. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, after which he graduated from the University of Maine with a degree in mechanical engineering. His engineering background took him to American Steel & Wire, Pratt & Whitney and finally to Dictaphone. He later owned and operated Stratford Auto Seat until 1985.
He was predeceased by his son, Thomas James; brothers, Glenn, Philip and Paul; and his sisters, Madeline and Helen Walker. Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Wynona; his daughter, Nancy and husband, Willard; his son, David and wife, Terry; grandchildren, Thomas Steckel, Jennifer and Thomas Tingley. He will always be missed by his nieces and nephews, Rebecca Stephens, Peter Tingley, Patty Yamin, Jeff Walker, Susan Whidden, Judy Mancuso and Barbie Carlson. He so enjoyed the time he spent with them.
A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, March 5, at First Church Congregational, corner of Beach and Old Post roads, Fairfield, Conn., with the Rev. David Spollett, Pastor, officiating. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Church Congregational, 148 Beach Road, Fairfield, CT 06824. Arrangements are under the direction of the Spear-Miller Funeral Home of Fairfield, Conn. For information or to sign an online guest register, please visit
www.SpearMillerFuneralHome.com.