Frank Pickering

Retired GE engineerDANVERS - Frank Pickering, 77, died peacefully on Tuesday, March 3rd. He was a native of Deer Isle, Maine graduating from Deer Isle High School in 1949. He and his wife Clara (Howard), also of Deer Isle Maine, made their home in Danvers, near their son and daughter, their spouses and five grandchildren.Frank graduated from the University of Maine at Orono in 1953 with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. He received an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Northeastern University in 1958.Frank joined the General Electric Company in Lynn in 1953. He spent his entire career with G.E. Aircraft Engines, involved in the design, development, manufacture and product support of military and commercial aircraft engines. Some of the highlights of Frank's career included; a design engineer on the T58, T64, and J85 engine compressors, design manager for the T64, TF34, J101(prototype for the F404 engine). Frank was General Manager of the Lynn and Cincinnati, Ohio Aircraft Engine Engineering Divisions, elected Vice President for General Electric in 1980 and Chief Engineer in 1991. He retired in 1992.He is a member of the Tau Beta Pi. Frank was recognized with the Donald F.. "Truly" Warner Award, SAE Cliff Garrett Turbomachinery Engineering Award, AIAA Air Breathing Propulsion Award, Distinguished Engineering Award from University of Maine, Block M Award from the University of Maine, inducted into the GE Aircraft Engine Propulsion Hall of Fame and elected fellow for the AIAA. He was also elected to the National Academy of Engineering.Since retirement, Frank served as a consultant to GE Aircraft Engines and Power Systems, President's Development Council for the University of Maine, House Association for the Sigma Chi Fraternity Chapter at University of Maine, President of the UMaine Class of 1953, Board of Trustees of Maple Street Congregational Church, and member of the UMaine Senior Alumni Executive Committee. Frank was an Eagle Scout, Marine Masonic Lodge A.F. & A.M. of Deer isle Maine (fifty year member), Holten Royal Arch Chapter of Danvers, Sigma Chi Fraternity, (life time member) UMaine Black Bear Club, Danvers Fish and Game Club, Boat U.S. and Red Sox Nation.Frank's interests included salt water fishing, boating, Red Sox, and he was asports enthusiast. Maple Street Congregational Church and the University of Maine were very important parts of his life. Deer Isle, Maine held a very special place in his heart. Family always came first and foremost.In addition to his loving wife of 55 years of marriage, Frank is survived by his daughter Diane Belanger and her husband Roland of Danvers, his son, Larry Pickering and his wife Betty of Danvers, his grandchildren, Mike Pickering and his fiancé Sandra Burrows, Jim Pickering, Steve Pickering, Jen Belanger and Kristen Belanger.Service Information: Relatives and friends are invited to visiting hours in the PETERSON-O'DONNELL FUNERAL HOME 167 Maple St., (rte 62) Danvers, Saturday, March 7, from 3 to 7 P.M. His funeral service and burial will be held in Deer Isle, Maine in May. For more information, inquire at 978-774-6600. On line guestbook at www.legacy.com. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Frank's memory to the Maple St. Congregational Church, 90 Maple St., Danvers MA 01923.