Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Francis Jerome Fenlon

FUNERAL HOME

Robert A. Pumphrey Funeral Homes Inc. - Rockville

300 W. Montgomery Ave.

Rockville, Maryland

Francis Fenlon Obituary

FENLON, FRANCIS JEROME

Francis Jerome Fenlon, 94, of Henderson, NV, passed away on May 11, 2006. Frank was born on May 1, 1911 in Cheyboygan, Michigan, the 5th oldest child of Frank Sr. and Margaret Ann Fenlon. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lillian and his sisters, Angela, Lillian (Page); his brothers, John, James, Arch, Leonard, Edward (Bud) and Robert and is survived by his brothers, Raymond and Patrick.

Frank is survived by his seven children, Mary, Jack, Patrick, Peggy, Sally, Joe and Terry, and nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Frank had seven brothers who served in World War II. He, too, was drafted to service in the Navy. However, he was automatically deferred to another category after the birth of his third child. He had to quit his job and go into essential work at the GNA aircraft in Pennsylvania.

Frank loved his family, his Irish heritage and sports, especially his beloved Detroit Tigers. He had a sharp mind and an incredible sense of humor to the end. He died in peace to join the Lord and his deceased parents, wife, brothers and sisters and is now watching over those he left on this earth. He shall live on in our hearts and minds forever.

There will be a Wake/Visitation on Thursday, May 4 from 3 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at PUMPHREY'S COLONIAL FUNERAL HOME, 300 W. Montgomery Ave., Rockville, MD. Funeral Mass will be Friday, May 5 at 10 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, 917 Montrose Rd., Rockville, MD.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post from May 3 to May 4, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Francis Fenlon

15 Entries

Anita Fenlon

March 29, 2007

I just read Katie Page Sander's entry. It reminded me of the 1994 reunion when we went to the Indian reservation casino.

My Dad and I set aside (before our trip) money ($25 each, yeah BIG spenders) to gamble with. When we were done we were done, that was the deal. Well I was helping Lee out (sitting at a machine next to him), he couldn't see, so I was calling out what the slot machine rolled to. I put money in the machine I was sitting at and probably spent $3 so far. Uncle Frank walks up and says....."you gotta put more than a Quarter in to win anything, go for a dollar"

WELL I DID WHAT HE SAID, after all he did live in Vegas. As I'm calling out Lee's machine to him, next thing I know.....my machine is making all sorts of noises.

Frankie simply chuckles and says..." hey girl told you you had to play more than a quarter". The machine hit about $350. I cashed out right then and there and continued to call out Lee's machine for him until he got rid of his $25.

His wit was like no other I know. Such a one line guy!

Joe Fenlon

August 9, 2006

It's so great to hear all those nice comments about my Dad! Yes, he was truly unique and a good man and had funny stories. I miss him very much and know he's watching over us and the TIGERS!!!!

CHARLES BARKLEY

July 3, 2006

I KNEW THAT MARY'S FATHER HAD PASSED BUT DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT THIS GUEST BOOK. I ONLY MET MR. FENLON ONCE, BUT I KNOW HOW MUCH MARY AND JOHN THOMPSON LOVED HIM I WOULD LIKE TO SEND MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE REST OF THE FENLON FAMILY

susan page

May 20, 2006

Some of my favorite memories of Frank involve card games. When we played "500", Butch seized the opportunity to be partners with Aunt Lillian, leaving Frank with me (the not-so-hot card player) for a partner.

He would encourage me, saying things like "We'll clean their clocks!" I would bid something ridiculous, like 9 spades; then lead with hearts. Butch would be ranting! Lillian would be saying something like "Oh my!". But Frank would be chuckling, saying "Get 'em Suz! He would defend me.."Don't pick on my partner.."

A couple of times we beat them, despite the unorthodox techniques....and, boy, did he have a good laugh, saying "That's it, Suz...keep 'em guessing."

We shared a love of gardening; and always came back from a visit to the river with what Uncle Frank called the "best damn" potatoes, tomatoes, etc. in Michigan.

He created so many memories for so many people....what a legacy. I'm sure glad I got to know him.

Susan Page

Katie Page Sander

May 16, 2006

My first memories of Uncle Frank were "up north" when he gave me a Lifesaver for a kiss on the cheek, not a bad deal! I always had lots of fun at his house on the river, swinging in his hammocks, drinking lemonade and catching frogs on the shore.

Another fond memory, though saddened greatly by the death of Aunt Ida, is of when Frank and Lil and Ida came to see the Tigers in the 1984 World Series. At age 11 I got to see the Frank's Detroit Tigers win it all from his prime seats on the third baseline.

When a college friend got married about 10 years ago in Las Vegas, my roommates and I hooked up with Frank and Lil for "brunch" which was quite the spread at his favorite casino "The Orleans" where we got the royal treatment. We went right to the front of the line and got prime rib and shrimp... Following brunch, we played video poker. With Frank looking over my shoulder he discovered that I hadn't been using the "wild card" option and coached me on what to keep. On the very next deal using my wild cards I won $100. I started screaming and jumping up and down. He thought I must have won half a million dollars the way I was carrying on. He encouraged me to keep going as I screamed "How do I cash out - NOW?!" Well, I walked away happy with $100 and proceeded to watch Frank win more than $700 that day, while he remained totally nonchalant. He never acted annoyed by my rookie behavior. I kept shouting, UNCLE FRANK CASH OUT! OH MY GOD CASH OUT!

What a cool guy...he won't be forgotten.

Kate (Fenlon) Reichelt

May 15, 2006

"Uncle George" was one of a kind. I called him that because he reminded me so much of George Burns, cigar and all! I remember when we were kids and visited the family in Suitland, Maryland. We'd have enough cousins there to play baseball games across the street from Uncle Bob's. The Uncles ("Chiefs") were usually pitching horseshoe's while the Aunts prepared the feast for whomevers First Holy Communion, birthday or Confirmation we were there to celebrate. There was a lot of laughter, jokes and love. We all LOVED being together and still do. We are so very blest to be a part of the Fenlon Family. Uncle Frankie was so fun to be around. What a sense of humor! May God rest his soul.

butch page

May 10, 2006

May 10, 2006
at the cemetery, i recounted my first memeory of frank at the liquor store in d.c. i was about 12 and he had me come to the store to dust the bottles. after a couple of cokes and stories, a 'customer' came in and told me he ran a radio station and my voice was so great he wanted to give me a voice test to be an announcer. he said he would call--it has been 50 years now and no call. frank always denied setting that up.

i can still hear brother dick's grandaughter, daniel shea-now a college sophomore: "let's go visit uncle lillian and aunt frank". he loved company--as long as the detroit tigers weren't playing.

he loved his garden at the cottage on black river. he always took you up the hill to show you his potatoes and tomatoes. i used to tell him that he should try to grow something other than the little 'cherry' tomatoes. (i can hear him mumbling some profanity under his breath right now)

he usually had a boat motor, tractor, car or lawn mower than wasn't working right. he would run around looking for tools and i would start taking things apart. after an hour or two if it wasn't working, he would remind me that my brother bill was real good about installing car starters and that maybe i should wait till he came up and bring him over. (bill put a new starter in his old brown chrysler--all of two bolts and a wire-takes all of 10 minutes.)

when susan and i retired to twin lakes in 2001, we had hoped to have a couple of years of exchange dinners, 500 card games, and various fix-it projects with frank and lil on black river.

frank saved my marriage by taking susan as his card partner. (i am told that i tend to be slighlty earnest with my constructive criticism during cards.) I can still hear him saying "don't pay any mind to him suz, just play the cards and beat him!"

he had a quick mind and delivered some great and funny one liners. he and my dad, clyde page were buddies growing up and he told me countless stories about their escapades. I am better for having known him and will miss him very much.

butch page
butch page (cheboygan, MI)
[email protected]

William Page

May 6, 2006

I will always treasure memories of Uncle Frank,his humor,his stories,and the love he showed for his parents,family,relatives,and friends.The laughter and gleam in his eyes when he reminisced about those he loved were as enjoyable as the tales. Thoughts and memories of a great uncle will be with me always. Our condolences,love ,and prayers go out to the Fenlon's and his friends. Bill,Diana,Bryan, Dylan,and Alexandra Page

Christine F McKevitt

May 5, 2006

Our thoughts are with you all. I am thankful that Mark was able to represent the Lee Fenlons and will hopefully share some of the wonderful Frankie stories. He truely was one of a kind! We also appreciate and feel your support lifting us up here. What a family!

Love to all,

Christine

Anita

May 5, 2006

Please know our thoughts and prayers are with each and everyone that is there. And know we down here are still with you in spirit. We have a very unique FAMILY. I love you all.

Tom & Mary Fenlon

May 4, 2006

As one of the Fenlon chief's makes his transition we pass on the condolences from the Tom Fenlon family. We too are saying goodbye to one of the cheifettes,our Mom, and therefore cannot be with you. I am proud to have been the nephew of a man who, when I was just married and finishing classes at the Univ of Md, took me under his wing and gave me a job @ Uncle Bob's store. Frankie did all he could to fit a work schedule around my classes,taught me the ropes around the store and had plenty of "fodder" for teasing me with his incessant good humor. He made the hours sail.

Joanne Rinaldi

May 4, 2006

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.

richard hicks

May 3, 2006

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.

Diane Grinder

May 3, 2006

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

MICHAEL JORDAN

May 3, 2006

I MET FRANK FENLON ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AT MY FLIGHT CAMP IN LAS VEGAS. HE WAS MARY'S FATHER AND A BUDDY OF MY GOOD FRIEND, JOHN THOMPSON. HE HAD A QUICK WIT AND WORE A DETROIT TIGER CAP. I ALWAYS LOOKED FORWARD TO SEEING HIM MY SYMPATHIES TO MARY, JOHN , AND FRANK'S FAMILY GOD BLESS HIM.

Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results