Shrewsbury – Frank T. Kokernak, 101, of Shrewsbury, passed away peacefully on May 17, 2021 at Benchmark Shrewsbury Crossing, with his loving family at his side. He will be sadly missed by his devoted and loving wife of 45 years, Ann P. (Parzick) Kokernak.
He also leaves behind two sons, Gary Kokernak and wife Jill of Plymouth and Denis Kokernak and wife Donna of North Hampton, N.H. He also leaves two grandchildren, Grant and Julia, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was especially grateful to his nephew, Jim. Frank was predeceased by all his siblings: five sisters, Catherine Conrad, Dorothy Kokernak, Marian Ushinski, Alicia Michalak, and Elizabeth Titta, and five brothers, Anthony, Edward, John, Felix, and Joseph. He was also predeceased by his granddaughter, Katherine.
Frank was born in Dudley, son of Stanley A. and Anna M. (Dzivrgot) Kokernak. He lived in Shrewsbury for 68 years. Frank served in the U.S. Army during WWII as a medic and survived D-Day. He worked at Norton Company for 35 years, retiring in 1978. Frank was the classic “Good Samaritan” and could fix anything. He also delighted in restoring old Corvettes with his son. He greatly enjoyed reading and spending his winters in Fort Myers, Fla., where several of his siblings wintered. Frank was a man of few words and taught by example. “He was the most practically brilliant designer I have ever met,” said his son, Denis.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation period on Thursday, May 20, from 10-11 a.m., at the Chiampa Funeral Home, 5 Church Rd., On the Common, Shrewsbury Center. His funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. In keeping with the Covid-19 guidelines, all attendees are kindly asked to wear face coverings and practice social distancing while at the funeral home and cemetery. Entombment with the rendering of Military Honors will follow at St. John’s Cemetery, in Worcester.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Frank’s honor to VNA Hospice Care, 199 Rosewood Dr,, Suite 180, Danvers MA 01923 or to a charity of your choice.
To view Frank’s online tribute, share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.chiampafuneralhome.com.
