Francis “Frank” Prest, 96, a longtime Worcester, resident and proud World War II, U.S. Merchant Marine veteran, passed away peacefully surrounded by his devoted family, Tuesday, February 2, 2022.

Frank was born in Princeton; he was the son of John and Myrtle (Nelson) Prest. Raised and educated in Worcester, Francis joined the U.S. Merchant Marine out of high school, serving proudly abroad U.S. supply ships, in the Atlantic, Pacific and Mediterranean Middle East War zones for over 4 years before being discharged in 1946. Upon return to Worcester, Frank began a career in manufacturing and maintenance, first with Thomas Smith Company, then St Pierre Chain Corporation, Shear Dimension and the final 15 years as Director of Plant Engineering for New England Grocer Supply “Sweet life” before retiring. Of all the companies, Frank enjoyed most working maintenance for his daughter Joeann at Shear Dimenson for over 40 years.

On September 27, 1947, Frank married the “Love of his Life” Louisa Rose Germain, spending the next 65 years raising their family with faith, devotion and love, until Louisa left his side on April 20,2013. Francis is survived by his three children, Joeann Zona and her husband Joe “Butch” of Charlton, Carrie F. Prest with whom he lived, John F. Prest and his wife Gayle of Rochdale; nine grandchildren, Glen Zona and his life partner Cole Either, Jammie Lussier and her husband Paul, Achille Setaro and his companion, Melissa Donovan, Alicia Gonzalez and her husband Brian, Amber Foster and her husband Joshua, Samantha Selzo and her husband Dominic, Melissa and her fiancée Daniel Peltier, Elizabeth Kilmonis and her husband Joshua; 9 great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. In addition to his parents, and wife Louisa, he joins in heaven a gandson Joseph Zona III, who passed on December 18, 2014, two sisters, Hazel Ellis and Lillian Thibeault and a brother John Prest.

Frank was a member of Greenville Baptist church, the NRA, Singletary Rod and Gun Club, and the Whiskey Water Club. He was an avid Deer Hunter, notably in trips to Maine and Canada. Frank loved Cape Cod, and always looked forward to the July 4th Harwich, Patricia Lane parade of which he was the yearly mayor. The parade notably did not start until he was ready. His Cape family and friends were utmost in his heart and he found so much enjoyment socializing with neighbors, during cookouts and holiday celebrations, they were always filled with fun, laughter, refreshments, and love.

Friends and family are invited to calling hours Monday, February 7th from 4 pm to 7 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street. His funeral service will be held Tuesday, February 8th at 11:00 am in Greenville Baptist church, 680 Pleasant St, Rochdale, MA . Burial military Honors will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave. Boston Ma.