TOPSHAM — CWO-4 Franklin C. Leavitt Jr., USMC Retired, 86, of Topsham, died Saturday, June 2, from complications of a stroke. He had multiple and increasingly difficult medical conditions for the last few years, limiting his travels, but not stopping his local rounds. He was seen most mornings reading the newspaper at Wild Oats, then picking up groceries, going out for lunch and getting the afternoon paper.

Frank was born Jan. 26, 1932 in his grandparents,  Sam and Vera Lakin’s home on Montgomery Street in Portland. He grew up in Portland, attending Morrill school and Lincoln Junior High. He graduated from Deering High School Class of 1950, where he played trombone, played in a special jazz band, and according to some, played hookie.

Frank was a self-made man, with drive, initiative, an astounding work ethic, and both native intelligence and the ability to succeed in even the most rigorous courses. In the military, he began as a private and ended as the most senior Marine Corps Chief Warrant Officer-4 reservist in the country. In his civilian career, he began as an apprentice in the electric shop at Bath Iron Works and retired as a Director of Engineering.

Frank joined the U.S. Marines in 1951, served in Korea in 1952 with Jimmy Howard (medal of honor recipient) on the Forward Observer team for 4-2 mortars, First Marine Division. He fought in the Panmunjeom area and survived the battle of Bunker Hill, receiving a combat ribbon among other medals. He continued to serve during 1953 on a Mediterranean cruise, and then chose to continue his military career in the reserves. When the US was in another war, he volunteered for active duty. He was stationed ‘in country’ Vietnam, based in DaNang, during the Tet offensive. As an officer of the 5th Communication Battalion, he was responsible for communication installations scattered across both South and North Vietnam. In 1967, there were no internet calls or video chats but the Red Cross was able to patch him through to his wife on the birth of their first child, Ella Marie. ‘Little Ellie’ met her Dad eight months later, when he returned from the war. He again continued his military service in the Marine Corps Reserves, serving a total of 40 years in the Marine Corps. On his 60th birthday, Jan. 26, 1992, there was a grand retirement ceremony to celebrate his life and accomplishments. The official ceremony was conducted by a special envoy from the Commandant, Colonel Maurice Fletcher, complete with Marine Corps band members providing music, The reception was held at the Atrium in Cook’s Corner with music supplied by the Bath municipal band, The day was filled with touching memories shared by family, co-workers, Marines and friends.

Frank’s military affiliation afforded him some unique honors. He was the Grand Marshall of the Topsham/Brunswick Memorial Day Parade and was also the Guest of Honor at one of the Marine Corps Balls sponsored by the Marine Corps League. He was a member of the Semper Fi Society, attending many of their yearly luncheons in Boston. CWO-4 Leavitt – Gunner – had many closely cherished friendships with fellow Marines. Gunners Mark Earhardt and Roger Smith were among the many Marines that he mentored. He founded a group of Marines (many retired) who hold monthly lunch meetings – the second Tuesday of each month at the Egg & I in Westbrook. This provides a platform for Marines who respect their common experiences, supporting one another, and swap ‘sea stories’. All Marines are welcome to attend.

Bath Iron Works Career:

Franklin’s BIW career also spanned 40 years. He was in the electrical apprentice program class of 1955-1959. In 1966 he was the Leading Man in the electric shop. After returning from Vietnam, he was a Ship’s Superintendent, and opened and directed the Church Road facility. His last position was that of Director of Engineering when he decided to take an early retirement in 1995. He was a man of integrity, a tough but fair supervisor and a true and loyal friend. A highlight of his association with Bath Iron Works was tied to his Marine Corps heritage. He was asked to be the Master of Ceremonies at the launching of the USS Donald Cook, named after a hero and fellow Marine.

Because of Frank’s unique combination of wisdom, common sense, Yankee ingenuity, and expert problem-solving skills, he was a sought after member of civic and political organizations. He was on the Board for SAD #75, the Chairman of the Topsham Police Commission and on the State Civil Board of Appeals. He also was a member of the Kiwanis and a Delegate to the Maine state Republican Convention. He was active with his friend Jeff Butland in Maine politics. Frank also was a valued member of the Topsham Posts of the American Legion #202 alongside his wife Ella Mae. He was Commander of the VFW post 2197 for 2 years and remained an active member. When the VFW held fundraising suppers at the Legion hall, he cooked ‘Frank’s Famous Fries.’

Frank followed family tradition and became a member of Deering Masonic Lodge of Portland. He and his friend since childhood, Eben Emerson, received 50-year medals together.

One of Frank’s joys was his antique automobile hobby. He owned a variety of cars over the years, trading, buying and selling until he finalized a collection of his favorites. He often said that in the antique car hobby you will meet some of the very nicest people. He belonged to multiple car clubs, being most active in the MOALS Dirigo chapter. Other clubs he followed, included The Model A Club of America, the V-8 Club, The National Woody club, The Cadillac club and the Mercedes Benz club. For thirty plus years, Frank went to the AACA Fall Meets at Hershey PA to walk the fields and find parts or hidden treasures. He also attended Amelia Island Concorde D’Elegance shows as well as the Barrett-Jackson car auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. During the good weather, you could see him driving one of the vehicles around town, parked at Fat Boys, or in a parade. Two of his children have antique cars, have joined the MOALS and attend group functions.

Franklin was predeceased by his first wife, Barbara Ann Nichols of Portland, His parents Franklin and Beulah (Lakin) Leavitt of Portland his sister, Eleanor (Leavitt) Bishop and her husband, Frederick of Brunswick.

He met his first wife in a church choir, became high school sweethearts, married in 1953 and had two children, Mark Leavitt and Mary (Leavitt) Goulette. He met his second wife, Ella (Stevens) Leavitt from Biddeford, at the 10th Engineering Company in Portland where they both served in the Marine Corps. They married in 1965 and had two children, Ella Marie and Patricia Anne settling in their current home in 1969 in Topsham. They just celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary.

In addition to his wife and children, he is survived by daughter and sons in law Grace Leavitt, Victor Anderson and Rene Goulette. Andrew Clinton Leavitt is his grandson, currently from Waltham, Massachusetts. Frank also leaves cousins from both the Leavitt and the Lakin families and many nieces and nephews, who tell fond and humorous stories. In addition, there are grandchildren and a great-grandchild that joined the family through marriage. Frank seemed most delighted when family members could make it to birthday and other celebrations, reminding us that we were blessed to be in driving distance of each other.

Visiting time is private, immediate family only. A graveside funeral service with full military honors will be held at 10 A.M., Monday, July 9, 2018 at Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Mt. Vernon Road, Augusta.  In lieu of flowers, donations to the VFW or American Legion are appreciated. Friends are encouraged to become active in Veteran’s affairs, join the American Legion or the Veterans of Foreign War.

For those unable to attend condolences to the family may be expressed at www.brackettfuneralhome.com