Frank LASH Jr.

NEWPORT NEWS - Frank Lash Jr., 88, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2010, after a short illness. He was a native of Brookneal, Va., and had been a resident of Newport News for 53 years.
Mr. Lash was the owner of Beaconsdale Pharmacy and a practicing pharmacist for over 50 years. He also owned and operated Lash's Hallmark Shops with his wife, Robyn. He graduated from Brookneal High School then attended Pharmacy School at the Medical College of Virginia, where he graduated in June 1943 and immediately reported for officer training at Columbia University in the U.S. Navy. Upon completion of midshipman's school, he was assigned to Naval Amphibious Forces. He reported for duty aboard LCI 415 as Executive Officer. On D-Day, June 6, 1944, LCI 415 transported elements of the first infantry division and landed them on Omaha Beach. In late 1944, Frank reported for duty as Commanding Officer of LCI 492. He held this assignment until his ships returned to Norfolk, following the German Surrender in Europe. He was next ordered to the West Coast to assist in preparations for the invasion of the Japanese Home Island. At the time of the Japanese surrender, Frank was commander of an LCI Squadron, stationed in San Diego, Calif. Frank was discharged in 1946 and returned to Richmond, Va., where he worked as a pharmacist and later as a pharmaceutical sales rep for Panke-Davis.
In 1957, he moved to Newport News to enter business with his pharmacy school friend, Bill Neal. He spent the next 40 years behind the prescription counter taking care of his customers and mentoring a young pharmacist or two. Frank was an avid gardener, reader and woodworker. He loved spending time with his friends and family the most, but he always loved to have a good time. He had an infectious laugh that was unmistakable, even in a crowded room. Frank was a member of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church and a member of the Virginia Pharmacist's Association.
He was preceded in death by his father, Frank Lash; mother, Elvira Holt Lash; and brother, Winifred Lewis Lash.
Survivors include his wife, Robyn Williams Lash; two sons, Frank Lash of Newport News and Thomas A. Lash of Tampa, Fla.; five grandchildren, Molly O'Brien Lash, Hunter Williams Lash, Caroline Holt Lash (Frank III's), Chapman Guilford Lewis Lash and Cecilia Robyn Louise Lash (Thomas A.).
The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 14, at Peninsula Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 15, at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, officiated by the Rev. Scott Baker.
Peninsula Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.