Frank R. “Bud” Zemina
Frank R. “Bud” Zemina, 93, passed away on July 28 at Whispering Pines Nursing Home, East Haven. He was born June 21, 1929 in Hamden to Frank and Ada Zemina. He was the husband of the late Oda Zemina for 63 years. They were married at Fort Knox, Kentucky, July 25, 1953 while Frank was serving as a commissioned officer. After serving three years on active duty during the Korean War, they relocated to Branford. Soon after moving to Branford, he was asked to be the commanding officer of a tank company assigned to the 47th Infantry Regiment. This led to a lengthy career, retiring in 1989, with the rank of Captain after 20 years of service.
He attended the University of Connecticut (1947-’51) graduating with the B.S. degree in marketing from the School of Business. In 1954, he acquired a franchise, Indian Head Lubricants, where he began a career selling lubricants and motor oil, eventually selling the successful business in 2000.
Frank had a love for sailing. He sailed to some of his favorite locations including Nantucket, Newport, and Bermuda, and participated in the Newport to Annapolis race. Frank was highly involved in Branford activities. He was an active member of his beloved Trinity Episcopal Church. He spent 35 years as a member of the Branford Rotary Club, where he served as president (1986-1987). You could always find him on the Branford Green during the Branford Festival flipping pancakes or burgers. He was also a longtime member of the Widows Sons Lodge #66.
He is survived by his son Paul; grandsons, Kyle and Ryan; and former daughter-in-law Kathy.
Relatives and friends are invited to a memorial service at 11 a.m. Friday Aug. 5, at Trinity Episcopal Church, on the green in Branford. Burial will follow in Branford Center Cemetery. There are no calling hours. For online memorial and guestbook, see www.wsclancy.com.