Lt. Colonel Francis L. Kolarik Jr. USAF (ret)
of Shirley; 70
SHIRLEY -- Lt. Colonel Francis L. Kolarik Jr. USAF (ret), 70, died Tuesday, September 3, 2013, at his residence.
Francis (Frank) Kolarik, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, died September 3, 2013 at his home in Shirley, Massachusetts at age 70. Despite being diagnosed with a rare lymphoma, Frank never stopped embracing and loving life.
Frank was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, November 9, 1942, the first of four children born to Francis L. and Julie (Vacca) Kolarik Sr. He joined the Air Force at age 17 and was stationed at places throughout the world including: Washington, Texas, American Samoa, Japan, Germany and the Pentagon in Washington D.C.
For twenty-nine years, Lt. Colonel Kolarik served his country in the United States Air Force. Frank earned his bachelor's degree from The Ohio State University. After being commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant, he earned a Master's degree from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. Following his retirement from the armed forces, he worked at Houghton Mifflin Publishers in Boston and Pfizer Pharmaceutical Corporation in New London, Connecticut. Frank moved to Shirley 18 years ago.
He was an active member of St. Anthony's Church in Shirley and was a member of its church choir and Holy Name Society. He served twelve years as a member and most recently was chairman of the Town Finance Committee. He was an avid golfer, winning several senior club championships at The Patriot Golf Course in Bedford.
In retirement, Frank enjoyed playing golf, wood working, spending time with his grandchildren Emily and James and loved traveling with his beloved wife Pat.
Frank took great joy in his family. He leaves his wife of 50 years, Patricia M. (Matthews) Kolarik; his son, Francis L. Kolarik III of Cambridge; his daughter and son-in-law, Leslie A. and Tony Willson of Dunstable; a brother and sister-in-law, Joseph and Joanne Kolarik of Emmaus, PA; two sisters, Barbara Palo of Warrington, PA, Joy Capozzi and her husband, John, of Warminster, PA and two grandchildren, Emily Willson and James Willson.
KOLARIK -- A funeral Mass will be celebrated 10 AM Saturday, September 7, 2013 at St. Anthony's Church, 14 Phoenix Street, Shirley. Burial will be in Shirley Center Cemetery.
There are no calling hours.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Anthony's Church, PO Box 595, Shirley, MA 01464 or The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 1311 Mamaroneck Avenue, Suite 310, White Plains, NY 10605.
The T.J. Anderson & Son Funeral Home, 25 Fitchburg Road, Ayer is assisting the family with arrangements. Please see www.andersonfuneral.com for additional information.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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