Franklin Nicholas Masselle

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Franklin Nicholas Masselle, 90, of Kensington, CT. He passed away after a brief illness on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at the Hospital of Central CT, surrounded by his loving family.

He was proud of his family, his home, his service in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War, and the life that he built. A master at storytelling, he delighted in regaling friends and family with stories of growing up in Kensington, his time at the little red schoolhouse on Ledge Road and as an altar boy at St. Paul’s Church, his years as captain of the basketball team at Berlin High School, his service in the Marines, and his many adventures throughout the years with friends and family.

He was thoughtful and kind, the MVP of any trivia game, a huge fan of the Red Sox and any New England team and could tell a joke like no one else. Upon discharge from the Marines, he spent the next 45 years working at the Kensington Post Office, traveling across the country with his lovely wife, Elaine, and caring for his family.

He leaves the love of his life, Elaine (Mestey), to whom he was lovingly devoted and married to for 65 + years. He also leaves his loving daughters, Lisa Norton of Kensington and Karen Pac and her husband John of Southington; his grandchildren, who loved him dearly, Jessica Doolittle and her husband Jake of Middlefield, John Pac IV of Southington, and Franklin Pac and his fiancée Becca of Quincy, MA; and five nephews.

A beloved husband, father, and Papa, he leaves behind an abundance of wonderful friends, especially his friends who became family at Ridin-Hy Ranch in New York where he shared happy times along with his family over the last 50 years.

Frank was predeceased by his parents, Anthony and Florence (Vumback) Masselle; his brother, Donald Masselle; and his sister, Janice Reale. He will be remembered with love and missed beyond measure by so many.

Calling hours will be Saturday, February 21, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. with a Blessing at 2:45 p.m. at Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home of Berlin, 111 Chamberlain Hwy., Berlin, CT. Military honors will follow the service at the funeral home. Donations may be made in his honor to the Wounded Warrior Project.