Francis P. Millette, 85, of Lakeland, Florida, formerly of Clinton, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on New Year’s Day, Jan. 1.

Frank was born in Burlington, Vermont, in 1937, to Albert and Bernadette Millette. He was one of six siblings.

In 1954, he joined the U.S. Marines, and he never stopped being a Marine in everything that he did.

In 1958, he married the love of his life, Lee Babineau Millette. They were married for 65 years. He also leaves his children, Kim Fromme, Martha (Michael) Casanova, and Ann (Jon) Lindstrom; grandchildren: Michael (Jane) Fromme, Sarah, Michael (Katie), Mason Casanova, and Maria Moncada; and a great-grandson, Geoffrey Fromme; and his sister, Barbara Jameson. He was predeceased by his son, Paul Millette, and granddaughter, Amanda Kryszat, with whom he is now reunited.

Frank had a career as a tractor-trailer truck driver for many companies over the years until opening his own automotive repair business, Stop and Go Transmission, in New Haven. He retired in 1986 and spent many years with his wife, traveling the U.S. in their motor home following the NASCAR circuit before permanently settling in Lakeland, Florida. He enjoyed playing golf, watching sports, and mostly spending time with his family. He was a family man who always was an example of what a husband, father, and grandfather should be, and he will be tremendously missed by all.

Funeral services will be held Friday at 11 a.m., May 5, at St. Mary’s Church, 54 Grove Street, Clinton. Burial with Military Honors will be at St Mary’s Cemetery on Beach Park Road, Clinton, following the church service.