Obituary: Frank H. Ball, 88, of Salem

Frank H. Ball, 88, of Salem, husband of Dorothy E. (Anketell) Ball, died Sunday morning, April 27, 2014 at his home following a long illness.

Born in Salem, he was the son of the late Herbert and Elizabeth (Francis) Ball and was a lifelong resident of the city.

A Navy veteran of WWII, Frank served in both the Asia-Pacific and European Theaters, and was a proud “plank owner” on the USS Bremerton. As a 17-year old gunner, he earned a Purple Heart at the Battle of Bari, Italy, where twenty-eight Allied ships were sunk or destroyed.

Prior to his retirement, Frank was employed by the Eastman Gelatine Corporation in Peabody. He was an avid golfer. He loved fishing and lobstering. He cherished his friendships, worshipped his family, and was blessed with decades to enjoy them all.

Besides his wife, with whom he shared over 63 years of marriage, he is survived by two sons, Steven Ball and his fiancée Socorro Campos of Wakefield; David Ball and his wife Sheila Ball of Cumberland, Maine; one daughter, Susan Ball of Salem; 3 grandchildren, Benjamin Ball, Michael Ball and Michelle Ball; two step-granddaughters, Toni Rockwell and Taylor Sawyer; one sister, Evelyn Englehardt of Beverly; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a brother, Harry Ball; two sisters, Bessie Dube, and Elizabeth Burgess; and his son-in-law, Paul Henderson.

Frank Ball was loved by all who knew him, and he has left an indelible mark on all who loved him best.

Funeral services are private. Arrangements are by Full-Spychalski Funeral Home, 84 Washington Square East, by Salem Common, Salem. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to your favorite charity. For on-line guest book, visit www.SalemFuneral.com.