GODWIN, JR., FRANK J.

Frank Joseph Godwin, Jr., 92, of New Hampshire and formerly of Portland, CT, husband of the late Audrey (Burdick) Godwin for sixty seven years, died peacefully on February 26, 2021 with his daughter and son-in-law by his side achieving his final wish of living in the White Mountains and becoming a New Hampshire resident. Born in New Haven, CT, he was the son of the late Frank, Sr. and Nellie (Anderson) Godwin. Frank was a veteran of World War II serving in the United States Marines. After his service, he accepted a position at the Middletown Savings Bank as a teller and worked his way up through every position until he achieved the title of President & CEO of Liberty Bank retiring in 1990. While working he continued his education in banking and finance at Brown University, University of Massachusetts and University of Connecticut.

After retirement, Frank and his wife spent winters in their Florida home in Hobe Sound. He loved playing golf and cocktails on the 19th hole. He also enjoyed traveling the entire USA, Canada and Europe, his morning McDonald’s coffee group of South Farms, hunting, fishing especially at the Connecticut Lakes of Pittsburg, NH, painting, playing his organ and puttering around antique stores.

Frank was a member of St. John’s Lodge #2, AF & AM, Middletown where he received the Altruism Award, the Warren Lodge #51, AF & AM, Portland, Burning Bush-Washington Chapter #6, RAM, Deep River, Lady Washington Chapter #45 OES, Middletown, The Ormont Post #69, American Legion, Portland and the Marine Corps League, Middlesex County Det. CT. Frank was also extremely involved in many Middlesex County Boards and Foundations leading and serving in many capacities.

Frank is survived by three children, Robert E. Godwin and his wife Nancy of Portland, Sharon Purzycki and her husband Todd of Littleton, NH and David J. Godwin and his fiancée Betty of Portland; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; three nieces; a nephew and many cousins. Along with his wife and parents, Frank was predeceased by his son, Norman S. Godwin and his sister, Roberta Zeiser.

Thank you to the staff at the Summit by Morrison Whitefield New Hampshire for their professionalism, kindness and compassion for the caring of my father especially Shannon, Joanna, Annie, Pam and Mary. A private graveside service will be held in the Swedish Cemetery in Portland, CT where full military honors will be accorded. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Frank’s memory may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, National Capital Area Chapter 8180, Greensboro Drive Suite 400, McLean, VA 22102. To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com.