ROCKLAND — Francis "Frank" LeRoy Terrio passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at Breakwater Commons following a short illness and a long, hard fought battle with dementia.

Born in Rockland on April 4, 1943, to Geneva (Brazier) and Joseph A. Terrio, Frank, lovingly referred to as “Butch or Butchy,” was educated in local schools and was a 1961 graduate of Rockland High School.

Frank loved football and played for the Rockland Tigers during his junior and senior years as a running back and safety. Throughout his life he remained an ardent supporter of the Tigers and for years could often be seen at the Friday night home games.

Following High School Frank worked at the former Samsons Super Market store and later for Lucas Tree Service. It was during this time that he married his high school sweetheart Judith (Brackett) on October 21, 1962, in Rockland. He then began what would become a 44-year career with Consumers Water Company starting as a ditch digger and retiring as a Service Technician. He was always thankful for a job that allowed him to be at home for lunch on most days.

Frank enjoyed ice fishing and looked forward to yearly trips to Moosehead with family members and friends. His love for the outdoors also extended to being a lifetime member of the Knox County Fish & Game Association at Beaver Lodge where he was active in the beano games and annual fishing derbies.

Always one to take on new projects and challenges, he was often called upon by family to help with various construction, remodeling, and plumbing projects and always enjoyed being a part of it.

For many years he took great pleasure in his daily “coffee meetings” with friends and co-workers at the former Dave’s restaurant and then at McDonalds after Dave’s closed. Many discussions were held regarding local and national politics, family, and current events. He really looked forward to these get togethers.

Known affectionately to his grandchildren as “Gonka” a term of endearment bestowed on him when his first grandchild couldn’t pronounce “Grandpa” and it stuck with him ever since. Frank, along with Judy, always made time to attend their grandchildren’s sporting and other special events right up to when his health no longer allowed him.

Pre-deceased by his parents, he is survived by his wife of 63 years, Judith, of Rockland; two daughters, Jenni Berube and her husband Paul of Thomaston, Patricia McMahon and her husband Michael of Rockland; his son, Jeffrey Terrio and his wife Deborah of Hudson, New Hampshire; 7 grandchildren, Bryan Berube and his wife Megan, Jessica Hall and her husband Jon, Taylor Terrio and his wife Samantha, Tiffany Terrio, Travis Terrio, Nathan McMahon and his wife Tykea, and Emily McMahon; and 8 great grandchildren, Carter Hall, Elliana Hall, Kayleigh Hall, Nora Berube, Thomas Berube, Louisa Berube, Addison McMahon, and Chase McMahon; his brothers, Joseph A. Terrio, Jr., and Lawrence “Larry” L. Terrio, Robert “Bobby” C. Terrio; two sisters, Rose M. Snowdeal, and Jo-Ann P. Ames and her husband Thomas.

Friends and family are invited to visit Friday, September 19, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m., at the Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland, where a celebration of his life will be held Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 11 a.m. Pastor David English will officiate. A private interment will follow at West Rockport Cemetery, Park Street, Rockport.

To share a memory or story with Frank’s family, please visit his online Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.