Francis M. Peck

EAST BALDWIN — Francis Michael “Frank” Peck, 62, of East Baldwin, passed peacefully on Sept. 10, 2010, in the presence of his loving family after courageously living with leukemia.

He was born in Portland on Jan. 10, 1948, the son of Joseph and Mary Cardamone Peck. He attended schools in Portland and Long Island, N.Y., and proudly served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam Era.

Frank worked for his parents at a 7-11 convenience store in Lindenhurst, N.Y. for several years. His whole family including his parents and his first wife, Jill Hetherington, moved to Maine and owned and operated Peck’s Food Market in Limington in 1972. He worked for a few years as at Applicator Sales in Portland. He then owned and operated Take a Break Pool Hall located over Jongerden’s in Limington for several more years. Finally, he worked at Precis Metals, which became EMS Solutions and ultimately Samina-SCI in Westbrook until its closing.

Frank was a member of the American Legion Post in Standish. Frank was known for his savvy card playing and his cutthroat style at chess. Frank spent years honing his pool playing skills and as a young man, hitting the tennis court. He was a devoted Red Sox and Patriot’s fan sharing many evenings with his wife and mother-in-law watching the game. Another favorite pastime was viewing the night sky and talking about astronomy with his daughter.

Always mischievous until the very end, Frank never missed an opportunity to play a well-constructed joke. He loved animals, especially his dog Oreo. Above all, he loved the festive gatherings of family and friends to share laughter and a home cooked meal. One could always tell Frank was happy because in those moments, he could be heard singing.

Surviving are his wife, Ellen Peck of East Baldwin; daughter, Jessica Peck of East Waterboro; a grandson; brother, Joseph Piccininni of Cornish; his first wife, Jill Hetherington of Scarborough; two nieces; many loving cousins and close friends.

A memorial graveside service with military honors will be on Friday, Sept. 17, at 11 a.m., at the Steep Falls Cemetery on Route 113. Arrangements by Watson, Neal & York Funeral Home, Cornish.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Harvest Hills Animal Shelter, 1389 Bridgton Road, Fryeburg, ME 04037.