SOUTH THOMASTON — Frank J. Baudanza, 83, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, Wednesday, October 5, 2022 at Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockport.

Born in Rockland, July 2, 1939 he was the son of Francesco and Eleanor Gray Baudanza.

Educated locally he was a 1958 graduate of Rockland High School. While in high school Frank was an active and talented member of the baseball team. This passion was something he continued throughout his life, playing and excelling on several Rockland men’s softball teams. He played for the Rockland Elks, winning many State Softball tournaments. ‘Frankie B’ as he was called, was always the center of action, whether it was his work on the mound or at the plate, he was someone that everyone admired.

As a young man Frank married Lynda Ladd. Together they had two children, Michael and Francesca.

At the beginning of his career, Frank was employed at Fisher Engineering for 16 years. His next endeavor was peddling seafood from the back of his pickup-truck. His hard work and dedication led to the successful establishment of his wholesale lobster business, Baudanza Seafood, Inc., until his retirement.

On December 24, 1972 Frank married Deborah Watkins at their home. Blending their families together, Debbie and Frank have enjoyed a life of love, cherished memories, and would have been celebrating their 50th anniversary this year.

Frank was an avid outdoorsman and took great pleasure in hunting trips he took with his son-in-law, Randy and friend George Jones. He was proud to have earned his ‘Big Buck’ patch.

Frank will be sadly missed by all who loved him.

Predeceased by his parents; a sister, Sandra Caven; and a brother, Alan Baudanza; Frank is survived by his beloved wife of almost 50 years, Deborah Baudanza of South Thomaston; his children, Michael Baudanza of Thomaston, Francesca Mackinen and her partner Harold of Camden, Bridget Meklin and her husband Eric of Cushing, Jennifer Sturks and her husband Randy of Rockland, Barry Baudanza and his wife Erin of South Thomaston; his nine grandchildren, Rico Baudanza, Mikaela Miller and her husband Camden, Eric Meklin, Isaac Meklin and his partner Cheyenne, Benjamin Baudanza-Sturks and his wife Whitney, Regan Burnham and her husband Cory, Madison Sturks, Tony Baudanza, Grady Baudanza; nine great-grandchildren Mila, Isaiah, Logan, Kaden, Ryder, Benjamin, Brooklyn, Easton and Elliott; his sister Linda Leon and her husband Jorge of Rockland; as well as many nieces and nephews and a large, loving extended family.

Family and friends are invited to visit Wednesday, October 12, 2022, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland, where a celebration of Frank’s life will be held Thursday, October 13, 2022, at 4 p.m.

Private interment will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692.

To share a memory or condolence or to view a live-stream of Frank’s service, please visit his Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.