Frank Earl McNamara passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday, October 1, 2021 at the age of 100. Frank was born in Crescent City, California on February 6, 1921. He was very proud of his Irish heritage and called Crescent City “home,” nearly all of his life.
Frank will always be remembered for teaching others the value of hard work and dedication to one’s craft. Frank worked 46 acres of ranch land and apple orchard, built machines in Southern California, and was drafted to become a SeaBee in the Navy during WWII. He was a paint store owner in Crescent City during the tsunami and outran the wave that destroyed downtown. Frank painted nearly all of Crescent City, including schools, numerous homes, fuel tanks, water tanks and even the drive-in movie screen. He also served his community as a member of the harbor planning as well as the fire department planning commissions.
Frank enjoyed sharing stories of his family history, gardening, football, watching wildlife, travel and taking care of the family livestock. Frank and his late wife Patty explored Dungarvan, Ireland, his ancestral home, traveled to Guantanamo, Cuba, rode out Hurricane Iwa on Maui, Hawaii in 1982 and for their 50th anniversary, enjoyed a cruise to Alaska.
Frank leaves behind two daughters Michelle Wells (William) and Mary van Weemen van Noord (Ronald). He will be greatly missed by his grandchildren RobRoy McGregor, Sean McGregor and Haley van Weemen van Noord, as well as his pet sheep Pistol and Buddy.
Frank was predeceased by his parents Thomas A. McNamara (1865-1935) and Susan Eva McNamara “Grannie Mac” (1876-1967) as well as his siblings Ruby Estella McNamara (1898-1975), Eileen Agatha McNamara (1901-1982), James Patrick McNamara (1903-1987), Velma Josephine McNamara (1905-1956), Thomas Agustine McNamara Jr. (1907-1922), Marcia Pauline McNamara (1909-1988), Michael Joseph "Uncle Joe" McNamara (1913-1984), John William McNamara (1915-1975), Ralph Nicholas McNamara (1918-1982), Rufus "Bob" Edward McNamara (1918-2011) in addition to his wife Patricia McNamara (April 19, 1923-November 28, 2018)
In lieu of flowers, Frank’s family would like to suggest donations be made to The Lake Earl Grange, 475 Lakeview Dr., Crescent City, Ca 95531
Family services were held.