Frank Lema

Detective Frank Lema, 70, of Middletown, passed away at Rhode IslandHospital surrounded by family and friends on September 26, 2013 frominjuries sustained while serving in the Line of Duty as a PoliceOfficer at Naval Station Newport.He was the son of the late Joseph S. Lema and Lydia Lema (Marshall)and brother to the late Roy Lema and Ronald Lema. A longtime resident of Newport, Frank was a 1962 graduate of Rogers High School, where he participated in the JROTC Program and enjoyed the simplicity ofgrowing up in Newport at the time. He enrolled in the US Air Forcefrom 1962-1966 in the duty stations of Pease Air Force Base, NH andGuam, providing security on the flight lines. Lema began his serviceto the Middletown Police Department in 1966 and dedicated his careerto serving as a K-9 Officer. His passion for K-9 service was realizedthrough countless hours of training, tracking, street patrol andcommunity outreach. Over the years, he had several K-9 partners,including dogs Jake, Nikki, Prince, Shep, Max and Temo. Lema and hisK-9 partners received many accolades and commendations for their workthroughout Aquidneck Island and beyond. He was a member of the USPolice Canine Association, participated in their national K-9 trialsannually, and held several offices within the organization. Afterserving more than 26 years on the Department, he retired as Captain in1992. In 1993, Lema brought his many years of law enforcement experience tothe Department of Defense Police Department at the Newport NavalStation. He was a highly-respected investigator, having successfullycompleted many specialized courses, certificates and federalinvestigations. He stood as a figure of wisdom and trust within theagency. Throughout his life, he was highly regarded by the lawenforcement community, the public and his family as a man ofintegrity, honesty and respect with an unwavering devotion to duty.His compassion and fairness was illustrated by the many individualswho proudly considered him a mentor and friend. Lema was highly decorated and well known for his service to the Police Community, but his proudest moments came from the joy he experienced through his family. He married his soul mate, the late Janice D. Lema(Lewis) in 1965. They shared 48 years of marriage, unconditional loveand never ending friendship. They made their home in Middletown, wherethey were well known for owning and operating Frank's Country Store Deli. Together, they raised 5 children, Rebecca Souza of FL, JustinLema of Cranston, retired Middletown Lieutenant Frank J. Lema, AlisonLema, and Austin Lema all of Middletown. He leaves 5 grandchildren,each of whom have everlasting memories of friendship, fun and wisdom.Frank Lema survives his sister, Laurene Vivieros of Middletown andbrother Joseph Lema of PA., as well as many nieces, nephews andfriends.Lema shared in the brotherhood of the Blue Knights Law EnforcementMotorcycle Club for many years, and the Newport Rifle Club. He was anavid fisherman, photographer and nature lover. Most recently, heenjoyed walking Second Beach, where he felt closest to his late wife,who passed away tragically after a motorcycle accident on Father'sDay.Calling hours will be held onThursday, October 3, 2013 from 4-9 pminMemorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport, RI, with a LawEnforcement walk through at5 pm.His funeral will be held onFriday, October 4, 2013 at 8:30 amfromMemorial Funeral Home with a funeral service at10 amin St. Mary'sCatholic Church, Spring Street, Newport, RI. Entombment will follow in Newport Memorial Park, Middletown, RI.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the DetectiveCaptain Frank Lema Memorial Fund, c/o Bank Newport, 528 West MainRoad, Middletown, RI 02842. Cemetery Details Newport Memorial Park Vaucluse Avenue Middletown, RI, Visitation OCT 3. 04:00 PM - 09:00 PM Memorial Funeral Home 375 Broadway Newport, RI, US, 02840 info@memorialfuneralhome.com http://www.memorialfuneralhome.com Service OCT 4. 10:00 AM St. Marys Church 12 William Street Newport, RI, US