Winthrop (Frosty) R. Lewis Jr. 88, a long-time resident of Swanzey died on Tuesday, July 10, 2018 at Langdon Place of Keene. He passed peacefully with the love of family near, after a brief period of declining health.
Winthrop was born the son of the late Mary (Rudolph) and Winthrop R. Lewis Sr. on February 8, 1930 in Keene. He was educated in Keene where he attended local schools. During school and summers he worked at Ellis Farm. After ninth grade he left school to work full time on the farm, as many of that generation did to help the family.
Frosty enlisted in the U.S. Navy on November 10, 1948 as a Seaman. He served his enlistment aboard the U.S.S. Floyd B. Parks DD-884, a Gearing Class Destroyer and the U.S.S. Duncan DD-485, a Gleaves Class Destroyer. Frosty was honorably discharged at the rank of Seaman Apprentice E-2 on November 9, 1949. He then transferred over to the Naval Reserve where he served from November 9, 1949 to March 26, 1952. On March 26, 1952 he was then activated from reserve status to active duty where he served on the U.S.S. Malloy EDE 791, a Buckley Class Destroyer Escort during the Korean War. Frosty was the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal and was honorably discharged for the second time on December 3, 1953. He enjoyed telling stories about his time in the service. He was on the ship that tested the first sonar, he sailed under the Golden Gate, and was one of the last U.S. service men on Cuba before they closed the base.
On November 30, 1952 he exchanged vows with Natalie Perkins. They were married in a simple service in Sunapee with close family and friends in attendance. After sixty-five years of marriage, sadly, Natalie passed on May 17, 2018.
He worked for the Keene School System SAU-29 for 20 years, as a driver for the Keene High School Lunch Program as well as the Maintenance Department until his retirement in 1995. Prior, he had worked at Chase Tree Service for many years as a Tree Surgeon. Frosty delivered the first bucket truck to Keene in a snow storm while working for Chase Tree Service. Most of the city trees were planted by Frosty that you still see today and when Dutch Elm disease struck the Elm City it was Frosty that took most of them down.
For fun Frosty enjoyed riding motorcycles, especially his Indian Chief and in time a Harley Davidson. Frosty was kind hearted and a devoted and loving husband and father. Since his retirement in 1995 Frosty took care of his sickly wife, staying by her side every day until she passed. His love of family is what he devoted his life to.
Frosty is survived by his children; Nancy L. Perham and her husband Roger of Keene and Susan Atherton and her husband Ken of Craftsbury, VT. Two grandchildren; William Pearsall of FL. and Donald Atherton of VT. Two great grandchildren; James Atherton and William Pearsall. He is also survived by his siblings; Ray Lewis of FL. and Emily Nelson and her husband George of Hinsdale. In addition, he leaves; cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Frosty is pre-deceased by his siblings; Robert C. Lewis Sr. and his wife Sylvia, Mary Bartlett and her husband Jerry, and Helen, the late wife of Ray Lewis.
We love and miss you Dad, Nancy, Susan, Roger and Ken.
In keeping with Frosty’s wishes there were no calling hours. A family and friends burial with Christian burial rights will be held on Wednesday, July 18, 2018 at 11 AM in the family lot at Mountain View Cemetery, Swanzey Center. All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel and Crematories, 44 Maple Ave. Keene, NH. 03431. WWW.cheshirefamilyfh.com
