On Feb. 28, Frank V. Larkins Jr., 88, a lifelong resident of Guilford, passed away peacefully at Yale New Haven Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. He was a loving husband of Pauline (Folsom) Larkins for 64 years. Mr. Larkins was born in Guilford on Jan. 23, 1935, the son of the late Frank Vincent Larkins Sr. and Frances (Sweezey) Larkins. He was the loving father of Valerie Senew of Guilford and Mark Larkins of Guilford, and their spouses, George Martinez and Jona Larkins. He is also survived by his three grandsons, Max Senew, Andrew, and Cory Larkins. He was the brother of Jeanette Simpson of Guilford.

Frank is a 1953 graduate of Guilford High School (GHS), where he lettered in four sports, baseball, basketball, football, and track. He was inducted into the GHS Athletic Hall of Fame in 1996. He attended UConn, where he played football for three years until being drafted by the Boston Red Sox.

Frank was co-owner of Bob’s Bottle Shop on Water Street in Guilford for over 20 years. During that time, he was involved in the Guilford Lions Club, Sideliners, and the Congregational Church of Guilford. He loved the Town of Guilford and was a loyal servant for most of his life. He served on numerous town boards and commissions, including Parks and Recreation, the Finance Committee, and Board of Selectmen. He held Guilford’s highest elected office as First Selectmen for five terms from 1981 to 1991.

Frank had many passions over his lifetime, including clamming in Chatham, Cape Cod, skiing at Mt. Ascutney, Vermont, and golfing in Hobe Sound, Florida. He was fastidious about his yard and flower garden, mowing his lawn and tending his flowers right through this past fall. Sports were always a big part of his life, and he attended every field hockey and track meet of his daughter and football game of his son. He was an avid UConn basketball and Yankees fan, often discussing the latest players and stats with his grandsons. He has a memorable history of laughter, fun, and pranks with his many friends. Most importantly, he was Paula’s lifelong partner, and he will be sorely missed.

Funeral services and burial will be held privately. A celebration of life is being planned for the summer of 2023. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Guilford Sideliners, 41 Wimler Lane, Guilford, CT 06437. To share a memory or leave condolences, visit www.guilfordfuneralhome.com.