SANFORD — Frank Papa, 77, of Sanford, died peacefully on June 4, 2015 at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough.

Frank was born on May 4, 1938 in Hacken-sack, New Jersey, the son of Charles J. and Anna (Cavalcante) Papa. He was raised in Rutherford, New Jersey, where he graduated from Rutherford High School.

Frank enlisted into the United States Marine Corps and, following two years of active duty, he continued to serve in the USMC Reserves.

In 1960, Frank married Barbara Clark, and they recently celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary.

In 1976, Frank and his family moved to Sanford, where he owned and operated the Hickory Pit Restaurant for five years. With his attention to detail and his jovial personality, Frank became employed at Goodall Hospital and retired as director of the housekeeping department.

Frank’s demeanor could be compared to an “Old Fashioned Italian!” He knew the value of hard work, was devoted to his wife and children, and found joy in cooking. Cooking for his family was a way he could express his love for them and each holiday was savored with good food, fun and being all together as a family.

Frank was an avid fan of the New York Yankees and the Dallas Cowboys. He enjoyed traveling and he and Barbara took several cruises with family and friends throughout the years. Frank will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

He is lovingly survived by: his wife, Barbara Papa of Sanford; his son, Charles Papa and wife Tracy of Florida and their sons, Nicholas and Vincent Papa; his daughter, Chris Matheson and husband David of Sanford and her daughters, Samantha and Carly DeSimone; his brother, Andy Papa; and wife, Melanie of Shapleigh.

At Frank’s request, all services will be private.

To leave a message of condolence for the family, visit www.autumngreenfuneralhome.com

Memorial donations in Frank’s memory may be made to the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, 11 Hunnewell Road, Scarborough, ME 04074.

The Autumn Green Funeral Home is respectfully handling arrangements.