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Frank Ayles

Frank H. Ayles, a long-time resident of Guilford, passed away peacefully following a prolonged illness on Sept. 30, 2024, just a few days short of his 86th birthday on Oct. 9. He was surrounded by his loving family in his final days. He was born and raised in Bridgeport, the son of the late Joseph and Julia (Janosko) Ayles, and was a proud graduate of Bassick High School, Class of 1956.

He was involved in sales for most of his working life, and with his calm demeanor and outgoing personality, he was a friend and trusted colleague to many. He enlisted in the Connecticut National Guard in 1958 and served for nine years. He loved baseball and was an avid Yankees fan, watching every game during the season and always knowing the score from the night before. He enjoyed classic cars and could name the make/model of any pre-1980s automobile by sight. He owned a 1950 Ford Coupe, 1977 Lincoln Continental, and fully restored a 1964 Thunderbird Landau, for which he won several awards. Frank enjoyed vacationing for many years in Florida on Sanibel Island with his loving wife, Pat, his children, and his grandchildren. He made many close friendships with his Laurelbrook Drive neighbors over 47 years and would be willing to lend a helping hand as long as he was able.

Frank is survived by his son, F. Michael Ayles (Tricia) of Guilford; and his daughter, Lisa Grywalski Bailey (William) of Branford. He is also survived by five special grandchildren: Alyssa Tubbs (Ben), Rylie Ayles (Brandon Putney), Cameron Ayles, Joseph Altrui (Sarah Sinise), and Parker Ayles; and four wonderful great-grandchildren: MacKenzie Tubbs, Harper Putney, Leighton Tubbs and Henry Putney. He leaves many nieces and nephews; and his sister-in-law Joan (Prescott) McGoldrick of Fairfield; and his brother Robert Ayles of Milford. He was predeceased by his first wife, Carol (Marcel) Ayles; and his second wife, Patricia (Prescott) Ayles. He was also predeceased by his older sister, Mary (Ayles) Kentos; his older brothers, Joseph, William, and Raymond Ayles; his nephew Edward Kentos; and his sister-in-law, Jean (Marcel) Gelormine.

Frank will be missed by those who came to know him well through his meticulously-kept yard and his polished, sparkling cars, but his family is comforted by the realization that he has joined his two wives, parents, and siblings. A special thank you goes out to The Guilford House staff for their caring and loving support of Frank over the last months of his life.

A private service and burial will be held at a later date. Donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in honor of Patricia and Frank Ayles.

Arrangements in care of the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church Street, Guilford. To share a memory or leave condolences, visit www.guilfordfuneralhome.com.