Frank L. Stebbins, Jr.
December 13, 1918 ~ September 7, 2006
In New Haven, September 7, 2006, Frank L. Stebbins, Jr., 87, of Grand St., West Haven. Husband of 63 years of Lois Swigert Stebbins. Born at home, 334 Elm St., West Haven on December 13, 1918, he was son of the late Frank and Lena Dickerman Stebbins, Sr. He attended Washington School and Stiles School. He graduated from West Haven High School in 1936. Frank became very active in the order of Demolay. He was Master Councilor of the West Haven Chapter. He was elected State Master Councilor of the State of Connecticut in 1940. After a short time working at Winchester's, Frank gained employment with The Western Electric Co. in West Haven, retiring after 43 years in 1981. In view of the Worldwide turmoil, Frank enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve in Oct., 1940 and was called to active duty in April, 1941 for the duration (of what) not to exceed 10 years. He became a Signalman aboard the U.S.S. Solace, a hospital ship, and for their actions during the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Solace received a Naval Unit Commendation. He later transferred to the U.S.S. Neches, a fleet oil tanker. He sailed with Admiral Halsey and Admiral Spruance. Frank was aboard the third ship into Tokyo Harbor for the surrender ceremonies. Between Pearl Harbor and Tokyo, he received nine Battle Stars, the most memorable were Iwo Jima and Okinawa, where he saw the Stars and Stripes go up. On return from the U.S. Naval Service, Frank returned to work at The Western Electric Co., built a new home and had two children, Robert (Judy) Stebbins, of Branford and Susan (Brian) Morrison of Greensboro, NC. Also survived by a granddaughter, Kaitlyn Morrison and a grandson, Kyle Morrison, both of Greensboro, NC. He was predeceased by a grandson, Cameron Stebbins. He became active in the formative years of West Haven Little League and West Haven Biddy Basketball. Frank was appointed Asst. Registrar of Voters for the Ninth District, and held the post for 21 years. He was an active member of the Annawon Lodge A.F. & A.M., became Worshipful Master in 1960, and had 64 years membership. He was also a Member of the Sons of American Revolution. Frank was State Chairman of Connecticut Nutmeg Chapter of Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, Inc. He was responsible for naming the "Pearl Harbor Memorial Bridge" in hope that it would remind people that "Pearl Harbor" happened, and could happen again. GOD BLESS AMERICA. A Memorial Service will be held Monday, Sept. 11 at 2 PM at the Overseas Ministries Study Center, 490 Prospect St., New Haven. Rev. Kimball Cartwright will officiate. Services under the direction of BEECHER & BENNETT-TAYLOR, 410 Campbell Ave., West Haven.
I met Frank in early 1956, when I was a new member of the Order of DeMolay. He was an advisor, and a Past State Master Councilor(PSMC). He Also served Annawon Lodge as Master in 1960. My respect for him grew over the years. When I was made a Master Mason, at a .DeMolay Night., Frank, as a PSMC, presided. I will never forget that honor and his kindness. Over the years, our friendship grew, and he became one of my Masonic heroes. His dedication to both Masonry and DeMolay served as an inspiration to us all. When, in 1960, I was elected State Master Councilor, Frank congratulated me, but said .No one will ever realize how much work this office will demand… He was so right! I held him in the highest esteem militarily, as well, him being a Pearl Harbor survivor. When I returned from taking care of battle casualites from Vietnam, he actually thanked me! Coming from him, that really meant something to me. To be present at the conferral of the DeMolay Legion of Honor upon Frank, was for me,one of my most heartfelt fraternal memories. I have been personally and fraternally enriched by knowing him for over fifty years. I thank his family for sharing him with us. Edward Lawson PSMC, LOH
I’m very sorry for the loss of a family memeber even though I only met Uncle Frank once. I’m sure he will be missed by many.
Me and my family are deeply saddened on the loss of Uncle Frank. When I first came to CT to live with my Grandmother (Dorothy Simmonds) Uncle Frank was there helping her in many ways. I don’t know what happened between Frank & Dorothy but I wished that it could have turned out differently. I know that Frank is now looking down from heaven and is now at eternal peace. Please watch over your Sister, your wife, son and daughter, grandchildren and family/friends as they grieve over this loss. May you be at peace. John & Cyndi
My condolensces and prayers to all family and friends. May God be with us all in times of sorrow. Sincerely, Mark Vergauwen
My family and I are very saddened to hear of Uncle Frank’s passing and wish everyone the very best in both the future and in getting through this sorrowful time. Best Regards, Matt, Tammy, Paige, Hope & Zackary Vergauwen
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
So very sorry for your loss, Love Ed