Frank Robert Formica

Frank R. Formica, age 91, of Plymouth, MA and Sarasota, FL, passed away on Thursday, August 21st. He was the devoted husband of Ellen (Cushing) Formica and the loving father of F. Robert "Bob" Formica, Jr. and his partner Robin Randall; Kathryn Grady and her husband Bill; and Bruce Ferreira and his wife Rebecca (Gedraitis).
He was the proud grandfather of Jane Wilson, Jack Ferreira, Joey Ferreira, Shakari d'Annibale, and Natasha Sakai, and the cherished great-grandfather of Marlon, Scarlet, Roman, Violet, Sam, Clara, and Theo. Frank is also survived by his beloved grandcats-Axl, Jager, Basie, Pippin, George, and Gracie-and granddogs, Lilly Rose and Lewis.
Born in Plymouth on April 5, 1934, Frank was the son of the late Guy and Doris (Malaguti) Formica. He attended Plymouth schools and went on to study aeronautical engineering at Boston University. Known for his incredible work ethic, Frank built a lifelong career at Plymouth Marine Railways, remaining through several ownership transitions until his retirement from Brewer Plymouth Marine.
In 1987, Frank fulfilled a dream when he launched his boat, Andiamo, which he built himself from a bare Downeast 34' hull. He and Ellen spent many happy years cruising the Maine coast, clamming, fishing, and relaxing at Brown's Bank, Saquish, and Long Beach. Through the many planned and impromptu gatherings on C Dock, Andiamo-and Frank and Ellen-became the heart of a vibrant community that lasted for decades and touched generations.
Frank met the love of his life, Ellen, at Skippy's Diner in Plymouth. Together they built a home and a family in the community they both loved.
He will be remembered for his unwavering work ethic because, as he said, "If it's worth doing, it's worth doing right," his sharp attention to detail, and his practical "measure twice, cut once" wisdom. Frank was generous with his time and skill, always ready to help someone out of a jam, then show-never just tell-them how to avoid it in the future.
With a dry and sometimes delightfully patient sense of humor, Frank was known for well-timed zingers as well as long-running jokes that might take ten years to pay off. Throughout his life, Frank led by quiet example. He was a good man who loved his family, his friends, and his community, and he served them all with care and integrity. He was deeply loved and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the scholarship fund for the IYRS School of Technology & Trades (formerly the International Yacht Restoration School) in Newport, RI, to support the next generation of marine craftsmen and women. https://www.iyrs.edu/give/make-a-gift