Obituary of Frank Banks

Francis George “Frank“ Banks, 81, the beloved husband of Roberta L (Moran) Banks died Thursday, August 6, 2020 at his home. Born in Worcester Massachusetts, he had lived in Manchester for more than 40 years. He was a US Air Force veteran. Frank retired in 1999 from his position of Quality Assurance Manager at Pratt and Whitney Aircraft after 38 years of service.

Frank was the current Judge Advocate and Sergeant at Arms for the American Legion Post 102 in Manchester, and loved a good lively conversation or debate with his fellow legionnaires.

Frank’s love of music included active involvement in numerous Fife & Drum corps throughout CT, starting as a child in Massachusetts. He was an avid drummer, karaoke performer and rode his bicycle often with his wife Roberta - including accomplishing his personal goal of riding over 2000 miles in one year.

As a youngster “Franny“ joined the Nobleman -an American Legion Drum and Bugle Corps of Worcester, Massachusetts. He learned his drumming from veterans of World War II who just love to play. Frank was hooked.

Later,  Frank along with his wife Roberta, was drumming, teaching, writing, marching with, and directing Fife & Drum corps., throughout his life including:

The American Fifes & Drums, East Hartford

Nayaug Ancients Fifes & Drums,  Glastonbury.

Hannon Hatch VFW Fife & Drum, West Hartford

Nathan Hale Ancient Fifes & Drums, Coventry

Marlborough Jr. Ancients Fifes & Drums, Marlborough 

Colchester Continentals, Colchester

Wharehouse Point Ancients Fife & Drum Corps, Wharehouse Point

How he loved to DRUM!

In 1957 Frank enlisted in the Untied States Air Force.  He was in the 622nd Air Refueling Squadron, TAC. Frank loved telling how he had the privilege of going thru Basic Training twice!  The AF wanted him in the Lackland Air Force Band, San Antonio,TX and they got enough players together after Frank had done his Basic.  Frank would then pause, ponder and then surmise- being in the Air Force Band would have been a great chance to see the world, but as an uninformed young man,  “he wanted a career- he already knew how to play a drum!”

Frank loved talking to people, anyone.  He loved giving piggyback rides- to his children, then grandchildren and even great grandchildren.

He became a hiker and an avid Rails To Trails biker.  He loved to travel and drove most of the U.S. visiting friends and family and exploring this wonderful country. Frank & Roberta even had a retirement trip of a 53 day vacation driving to Alaska in a truck-bed camper.  He would never stay long in one place, explaining “if we see it all now, we won’t have any reason to return!”

Frank & Roberta lived 3 years in South Korea for Pratt and had their eyes opened to this planet as one big family.

Frankie never sat still.  He started singing at 70 years old and amazed himself and others! He had a nice voice!  At 81 he had already completed 500 miles on the bike trails in spite of Covid 19. And this years plan was to travel!

Frank was a gentle, kind and blessed Husband and “I miss him already”.  One of Frank’s favorite sayings was- If you want to hear God laugh, tell him your plans!

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children Donna Banks of LA, Deborah Bullock and her husband Richard of LA, Diana Wyatt of TX, Frank Banks and his wife April of LA, Frederick Banks of LA, Dana Finni and her husband Scott of FL, and Angela Arsenault of MA; 15 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.  

He is also survived by his siblings Edlow Banks and his wife Christine of MA and Carol Fitzpatrick of MA, his mother-in-law Audrey C. Moran of Coventry; his sister-in-law Joan Banks of MA; his brother-in-law Thomas Moran and his wife Linda of Collinsville, and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his granddaughter Briana; and his siblings Paul Banks and Louise Rovizzi.

Family and friends may call at the John F. Tierney Funeral Home, 219 West Center Street Manchester, on Sunday from 4-6 p.m.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, August 10^th at 10:00 a.m. at East Cemetery, 220 East Center St. Manchester, CT. For online condolences and extended obituary please visit www.tierneyfunerahome.com.