Frank Lemerise Passes Away
Frank A Lemerise
March 13, 1958 – October 20, 2022
SPENCER- Frank A. Lemerise, 64, of Spencer, passed away peacefully Thursday, October 20, 2022, in Quaboag Rehabilitation & Skilled Care Center, after a long struggle with Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease.
He leaves his wife of 30 years, Tammy (Tikka) Lemerise; his daughter Tonia Backstrom & her husband David of Leicester; his son Jamie Lemerise & his wife Becky of Leicester; brothers Kim B. Lemerise & his wife Nancy of Boylston and Mark A. Lemerise & his wife Donna of Spencer; sisters Lisa A. Lemerise Fischer & her husband Kurt of Arlington and Andrea L. Thurlow of Leicester; five grandchildren, Morgan, Skylar, Kasey, Joseph, and Johnathan; a niece Carla Davis & her husband Matt, and their children Jordan and Walker of Sandwich.
Frank was born in Worcester, the son of the late Stanley and Elizabeth (Stanikmas) Lemerise. Frank grew up in Spencer and graduated from Worcester Boys Trade School in 1976, specializing in auto mechanics. He was also an outstanding ice hockey player during those years. He worked for many years at General Motors in Framingham. Later he was employed as a mechanic at Wyman Gordon, Laidlaw Transit, and the Lee County School District, in Cape Coral, Florida where he specialized in electronics. His love for the automobile followed him throughout his entire life, especially his love for stock car racing. Frank won a street stock championship at Hudson Speedway in 1977 at 18 years old and raced modifieds and mini-modifieds at various NASCAR-sanctioned tracks throughout New England and the East coast. Later during his time living in Florida, he joined the Daytona Antique Automobile Association racing a modified antique car throughout the state. Frank also enjoyed restoring many cars throughout his life, his pride and joy being his 1964 Stingray Corvette convertible. He never let a project go unfinished. He was the recipient of many trophies for his Corvettes and hot rods at Collector car shows.
Frank and Tammy lived on Glen Echo Lake in Charlton for many years. Frank also enjoyed water sports, especially when joined by his children Tonia and Jamie. He was a member of the ski club, and could often be seen out on the water at the break of dawn or until dusk barefoot water skiing or ski jumping, while his wife was hopeful that he would return home safely. Frank and Tammy enjoyed traveling through Florida during their 21 years living there and made many trips to South Miami Beach, and to Las Vegas for their international car shows and celebrations. Frank enjoyed music (especially rock n roll), movies (he had a collection of 800 DVDs), playing Guitar Hero with his own custom-made guitars, and thrift store shopping. Most of all he cherished his time with the grandchildren, seeing their photos, and hearing of their activities and accomplishments.
Our family would like to give special thanks to Frank’s other family, the staff at Quaboag Rehabilitation and Skilled Care Center, especially Unit 3A and Unit 1 for the love, care, and compassion they gave to Frank during his stay. They are truly an exceptional group of people. Also, we would like to thank Compassus Hospice for their compassionate care and assistance during this difficult time.
A graveside service will be held on Friday, November 11, 2022, at 11:00 AM in St. Joseph’s Cemetery Waite St, Leicester, MA. Immediately following the service, family, and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life luncheon at the Knights of Columbus, 91 Manville St., Leicester, MA. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Quaboag Rehabilitation and Skilled Care Center, Activities Department, 47 E. Main St, West Brookfield, MA 01585. Arrangements are under the care of Pillsbury Funeral Home 163 Main St. Spencer.
Sources: Pillsbury Funeral Home