Frank Dionne

WINTHROP- Following a brief illness, Francis "Frank" Gerard Dionne, 81, of Winthrop, ME and formerly of Fitchburg, MA, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2024, surrounded by family. Born to Rita Marion Dionne and Gerard Dionne in Gardner, MA, on April 17, 1943, he was also fortunate to have a loving stepfather, Dominique Leger, after his father's death. Frank is survived by his wife Diane Dionne of Winthrop, ME; his daughter Cheryl (Todd) Crawford of Fitchburg, MA; two stepchildren, Stephen Bruckert (Kaarin Lanyi) of Los Angeles and Susan (Nathaniel) Stein of Corvallis, OR; two step-grandsons; his brother Philip Leger (Mariah Mallet) of Royalston, MA; his sister Rose (Terry) Davis of Richmond, New Hampshire; his sister Jeanne Michaud of Gardner, MA; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. His sister Gail Ann Leger and stepson Nathan Bruckert preceded him in death.
Frank was a force of nature who leaves behind a legacy of warmth, kindness, love, and endless funny stories. Frank's life-long passion was music, beginning with singing to his mom as a toddler, followed by accordion lessons around age 7. Then came classical piano lessons with the nuns at Holy Rosary. However, the advent of rock 'n roll and, in particular, the influence of Jerry Lee Lewis, drew Frank in another direction as a young teen, and he was in a rock n' roll band with a group of fellow students at Assumption Preparatory School in Worcester in the late 1950s. In the early 1970s, he and his family traveled around the U.S. with the band Ulterior Motive while under contract to Holiday Inn. For decades, Frank played in bands of many musical genres and performed as a solo pianist and karaoke host in the Worcester and greater Boston areas. He also worked as a sales manager for MCM Furniture and Appliance in Leominster, MA for many years. In 2014, Frank moved to Winthrop, ME and joyfully immersed himself in the very active music scene of Central Maine, playing most often with his good friends in the The Social Club. He performed for the last time on May 5, 2024. Frank's other loves were family, friends, and fishing. On a summer day, Frank could usually be found out in his boat on Lake Cobbosseecontee, often with a friend or loved ones on board. He also took to heart his connection with St. Francis; his deep affinity for animals frequently led him to care for strays and any other animal in need of love. Frank proudly served his country in the Army National Guard.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Maine in his memory can be made to PALS Cat Shelter at 188 Case Road in Winthrop, ME 04364 or to the Village Green Concert Series in the town of Belgrade, ME, where he enjoyed playing at many venues over the years. (Make check payable to Town of Belgrade, with Village Green Concerts on the memo line.) In Massachusetts, donations can be made to Holy Family Academy, 99 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA 01440 or to the animal shelter of your choosing.
There will be a celebration of Frank's life at the Weathervane in Readfield, Maine on Sunday, July 21st at 1:00 PM. A Massachusetts celebration will be held at the British American Club in Fitchburg on Sunday, September 8th from 1 PM until 5 PM.
Arrangements are in the care of the Roberts Funeral Home, 62 Bowdoin Street, Winthrop where condolences and memories may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the funeral home website by visiting www.khrfuneralhomes.com