Frank E. Handy, 91, of Portsmouth, a retired Navy Chief Signalman, died Thursday, July 7, 2016, at home surrounded by his loving family.

He was the husband of Joan (Fields) Handy for 71 years.

Born on March 27, 1925, in New Bedford, MA, he was the son of the late Grafton E. and the late Sarah (Wright) Handy.

Mr. Handy served honorably in the US Navy, first during WWII with the Fifth Amphibious Force in the South Pacific. In addition to a number of medals, his unit was awarded a Presidential Citation. He honorably served again during the Korean War aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Palau. Mr. Handy was a retired transportation executive, having worked for a number of different transportation companies. In his spare time, he was a 32nd degree Mason and a member of St. Paul’s #14 FAM Lodge in Middletown, where he was the longest standing member of the Masons in Rhode Island. He was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars #5390 in Portsmouth, a member of the International Order of Odd Fellows, a former commodore of the Tiverton Yacht Club, and a member of the Newport Athletic Club. Mr. Handy was also an active volunteer in retirement, for the Newport Hospital, Meals on Wheels, Habitat for Humanity, frequently visited his fellow veterans at the RI Veteran’s Home in Bristol, RI, and was faithful in his ministry to provide food for the homeless for many years. He will be truly missed by all who knew him.

Besides his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Karen Carneal of Tiverton, RI and Kelly Mott and her husband David of Holland, MA, two grandsons, Christopher John Carneal of Los Angeles, CA and Derek Mott and his wife Jennifer of Holland, MA, one granddaughter, Courtney Mott of Charlton, MA, a great granddaughter, Delia Mott, and two brothers, George Handy of Hallendale, FL and Roger Handy of Warwick, RI.

He was predeceased by his brother, Grafton Handy, Jr.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 13, 2016, at 11:00AM, in the United Congregational Church, 524 Valley Road, Middletown, RI.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the United Congregational Church, Memorial Fund, 524 Valley Road, Middletown, RI 02842, to the Visiting Nurse Services of Newport & Bristol Counties, 1184 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI 02871, or to the
Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post #5390, 822 Anthony Road, Portsmouth, RI 02871.