Francis John Burkitt

Francis John Burkitt, of Annapolis, MD, passed away on Friday, November 29, 2024, at the age of 92.

Frank was born in Brooklyn, NY, in 1932. He graduated from Brooklyn Prep High School. He proudly served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He graduated from the Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute with a degree in Electrical Engineering, later earning a Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Maryland.

Frank met his late wife, Elizabeth Veronica Burkitt, in Brooklyn, New York. They were married in1958 and soon moved to Maryland, where they raised five children. Frank was a devoted father, actively involved in his children's lives. He participated in the Boy Scouts with his sons, attended their swim meets, and supported them at all their sporting events. An avid fisherman, Frank enjoyed trolling for Rockfish on the Chesapeake Bay, surf fishing along the Atlantic coast, and crabbing on Maryland's Eastern Shore.

In his extensive professional career, Frank worked at Westinghouse in Linthicum, MD, Comsat in Washington, D.C., and spent the final years of his career as Director of Operations at Intelsat in Washington, DC. In this role, Frank and Betty were able to travel the world extensively, experiencing adventures ranging from African safaris to snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef, and strolling along the Great Wall of China.

Frank and Betty moved to Naples, FL, in 2000, where Frank became an avid golfer and enjoyed playing several times a week.

A man of deep faith, Frank held an unwavering belief in God and was an active member of the Catholic Church throughout his life.

Frank is predeceased by his beloved wife of 62 years, Betty (1936–2020). He is survived by his children: Frank (Susan) of Wilson, WY; Paul (Cheryl) of Georgetown, SC; Michael (Anne) of Wilmington, NC; David (Katie) of St. Michaels, MD; and Elizabeth (Ted) of Darnestown, MD. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren: Sean, Jack, Paige, Ryan, Brooke, Cole, Hunter, Ellie, Quinn, Luke, Connor, and Kelly Anne, as well as numerous cousins in the greater New York and Boston areas.

On behalf of his family, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society at www.donate.cancer.org.