Francis Bernard Shrake

Portsmouth, RI - Francis Bernard Shrake, 88, of Portsmouth, died Wednesday, December 31, 2014, at Davis Place in Danielson, CT. Born in Trempealeau, WI on Jan. 16, 1926, he was the son of the late Leon Wesley Shrake and Mary (Quitney) Shrake. Captain Shrake was raised in Winona, MN during the depression and at a young age helped provide for his family. He was a graduate of the University of Minnesota, NROTC, with a major in engineering. He was a commissioned a US Naval Officer at the age of 19 and loved serving his country. Captain Shrake served in the US Navy for 26 years, serving during WWII, the Korean War, and Vietnam War. He was Commander of the Destroyer Fred T. Berry (AD-858) which was a top rated destroyer in the Atlantic Fleet from 1963 to 1965. He was then Captain of the Destroyer Tender, USS Yosemite (AD-19) until he retired. Although he traveled the world, he decided that he liked Aquidneck Island the best. He lived in Middletown, RI from 1962 to 1971, and Portsmouth RI for the remainder of his life. Captain Shrake served as the Parish Council President at Saint Barnabas, and volunteered time doing restoration work at the Glen Manor House. Frank was a great father, grandfather, provider, teacher, and mentor. He loved his family and wanted the best for them. He was quick witted, a great story teller, and loved to read. He was a good athlete, loved basketball, and water-skied well into his late 50's. After retiring from the Navy, he purchased and managed properties for over 40 years. He was always willing to learn a new skill, which served him well throughout his life. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.He is survived by his children Andrew Shrake and his wife Linda of East Dennis, MA, David Shrake and his wife Janet of Southington, CT, Bruce Shrake and his wife Janet of Ingleside IL, Laura Clark and her husband Thomas of Colchester, CT, Joan Binns and her husband Robert of Norton, VT, Michael Shrake and his wife Jeanie of Gurnee, IL. He is also survived by his grandchildren Sara Sargent and her husband Shane, Samuel Shrake, Zachary Shrake, Brian Shrake, Scott Shrake, Erin Clark, Colleen Clark, Katherine Binns, Shelby Shrake, Savanah Shrake, Summer Shrake, and Sawyer Shrake, and his great grandchildren, Ava, Daniel, and Jackson. He is also survived by his brothers, Jim Shrake, Joe Shrake, Dan Shrake, and Mark Shrake.He is preceded in death by his daughter Mary Anne Montoya, his sister Barbara Mary Berzinski, and his brother John L. Shrake, and his former wife Noreen O. Flint. Calling hours will be held on Monday, January 12, 2015, from 4-7 pm in the Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Road, Portsmouth, RI. His funeral will be held on Tuesday, January 13, 2015, at 9:00 am from the funeral home, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in St. Barnabas Church, 1687 East Main Road in Portsmouth. Burial will be in Arlington National Veterans Cemetery in Arlington, VA, at a later date.Memorial donations may be made to either Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (www.nmcrs.org) or Catholic Community Foundation, Court West Suite 500, 2610 West University Avenue, Saint Paul MN 55114. In memo area write: Leon Mary Shrake Endowment for Academic Excellence. Cemetery Details Arlington National Cemetery VA, Visitation JAN 12. 04:00 PM - 07:00 PM Connors Funeral Home 55 West Main Road Portsmouth, RI, US, 02871 info@memorialfuneralhome.com http://www.connorsfuneralhome.com Service JAN 13. 10:00 AM St. Barnabas Catholic Church 1697 East Main Road Portsmouth, RI, US