CAMDEN — Frank Erwin Stearns, Sr., 85, died after a long illness, Saturday, January 19, 2019 at Sussman Hospice House in Rockport with his family at his side.  

Born in Camden, August 24, 1933, he was the son of Harry and Mable Payson Stearns.  

Educated locally, he was a 1951 graduate of Camden High School. It was during school that Frank met his best friend and soul-mate, Grace Galanti. Frank and Grace were married in Camden, May 14, 1955.

Following high school, Frank enlisted the U.S. Air Force where he served honorably for four years. Returning from active duty, Frank went to work for Camden Tannery before becoming superintendent of the Wastewater Treatment Department. He retired in 1998 after 28 years’ service with the department.

For many years Frank was active with the Town of Camden Budget Committee, Charter Commission and also served as the Election Warden. He was a member of the Camden High School Alumni Committee and the American Legion Post No. 30.

A man of many trades and talents, he was loved and admired by all. He will be sadly missed by those who knew him.

Frank is survived by his wife of 63 years, Grace Galanti Stearns of Camden; his daughter Deena Andersen and her husband Tim of Hampton, NH; his son Frank, Jr. and his wife Amy of Northboro, MA; his sister Helen Brassbridge of Winterport; and his grandchildren, Jamie and Kayla Shepard, Lauren and Frank Stearns III; as well as many nieces and nephews.  

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 26, at Our Lady of Good Hope Catholic Church, 7 Union Street, Camden. The Reverend Robert Valliancourt will officiate. Private interment will be held in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Legion Post No. 30, P.O. Box 187, Camden, Maine 04843.  

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter and Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.

To share a memory or condolence with the Stearns family, visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.