Franklin L. Hurt, 86, a long-time resident of Swanzey, and formerly of Keene, died on Thursday, January 25, 2018. He passed peacefully in the comfort of his home with the love of family near.
Franklin was born the son of the late Margaret (Wall) and James Hurt on January 2, 1932 in Keene. He was educated in Keene and graduated from Keene High School class of 1950.
On Sept. 8, 1950, soon after school, Frank enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He served his enlistment as part of the motor vehicle squadron. He was honorably discharged at the rank of A/1C on Sept. 3, 1953.
He exchanged vows on August 27, 1955 with Lorraine A. Vorce at St. James Episcopal Church in Keene. They were married with family and friends in attendance and have been married for sixty-two years.
In 1960 Frank started work for the A. L. Melanson Company in Keene. He worked there for thirty-seven years until he retired in 1997. He was always a believer in hard work. So much so, that he started at the bottom and advanced to become the Vice President of the company. Prior, he had worked at H. L. Holden Company as a sheet metal ductwork specialist.
He enjoyed the outdoors, especially snowmobiling and fishing. Time was spent watching the New England Patriots and Red Sox. Family and family values were important to Frank. He enjoyed being with his family and friends; it didn’t have to be a special occasion. He liked being part of their lives. In his later years Frank enjoyed woodworking and made lots of furniture and wooden clocks from scratch. He was very detailed in his craftsmanship. He would even make the gears out of wood just for the challenge. Frank had a special place in his heart for the restoration of his Model-T antique car and spent much time going to car shows and taking his family for rides. With his enjoyment of music, he became interested in making musical instruments; he made mandolins and ukuleles. He also loved to dance.
Mr. Hurt is survived by his wife, Lorraine A. Hurt of Swanzey. His three sons; Jeffrey Hurt and his fiancée, Lisa Guyette of Swanzey, Greg Hurt and his wife Darlene of Sullivan and Frank “Chip” Hurt Jr. of Swanzey. His grandchildren; Heidi Hurt of Swanzey, Kristen Hurt and her partner, Josh Supry of Keene, Kyle Hurt of Swanzey and Amity Howard of Keene. A great grand-daughter Zoie Supry of Keene, Cecilia Howard of Indian Orchard, MA and Jennifer Hadden of Keene. We can’t forget his dog and co- conspirator, Rosie who was always there next to his side.
In keeping with Frank’s wishes there are no calling hours. A celebration of life service with a gathering to follow will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2018 at 2pm at the Swanzey Community House, 18 Old Richmond Rd. Swanzey, NH. 03446. Burial will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made in memory of Franklin L. Hurt to the Castle Center, 312 Marlboro St. Keene, NH 03431. All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Home and Crematories, 46 South Winchester St. Swanzey, NH 03446. WWW.cheshirefamilyfh.com
