Frank J. Padula

Frank J. Padula, 84, of Woodstock, CT and formerly of Sturbridge, died Friday, December 3, 2010, at the Brigham and Woman's Hospital in Boston, following a brief illness. He was the husband of Caroline M. (Genatossio) Padula, to whom he been married to for over 60 years.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by four daughters, JoAnne M. Grubert and her husband James of Sturbridge, Angela Grubert of Southbridge, Marie E. Blais and her husband David of Woodstock, CT, and Caroline F. Padula of Williamsburg, VA; two sons, Frank P. Padula and his wife Jan of Panama City, FL, and Joseph A. Padula and his wife Gail of Indianapolis, IN; a brother, Dominic Padula of Dedham; two sisters, Dorothy Dolan of Colorado, and Antonetta Lang of Florida; 17 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was also the father of the late Phillip J. Padula, and brother of the late Pasquale, Joseph, and Jeanne Padula, and Felice Crowe.

He was born in Boston and was the son of the late Joseph and Angelina (Sinisgalli) Padula.

While attending Charlestown High School, Frank worked as the youngest electrician at the Bethlehem-Hingham Shipyard. Shortly after graduation, Frank was drafted into the Army in October 1944. His tour included Central Europe in WWII and received the American Campaign Medal, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal and WWII Victory Medal. He was honorably discharged from the 253rd Infantry 63rd Division in July 1946.

In 1947, Frank received his Journeyman's license as an electrician. He then began his professional career in May of 1948 by attending and graduating from General Electric's management program. He continued his employment with GE in various management positions for 23 years. During the course of his tenure and growth with GE, came the opportunity for relocation to several states. His beloved wife and seven children were able to develop many long lasting friendships in New York, Indiana, Tennessee, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts.

In August of 1971, Frank accepted a new managerial position at American Optical until leaving to start his own consulting business, Padula Associates.

He met his wife of 60 years in October 1949, married in June of 1950 and went on to raise seven children together. His passions were fishing, golfing and traveling with his wife to visit family and long-time friends. He will always be fondly remembered for his quick wit, his funny jokes and stories, his love for music and singing, dancing with his lovely wife, and his dependable support and desire to always help those in need.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral on Friday, December 10, 2010 from the Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge, followed by a funeral Mass at 10:00 A.M. at St. Anne's Church, 16 Church Street, Fiskdale. Burial will follow at St. Anne's Cemetery in Fiskdale. Calling hours will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, December 9th, from 4:00-7:00PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Brigham and Woman's Department of Cardiac Nursing, 75 Francis St., Boston, MA 02115.

morrillfuneralhome.com