(11/04/14) Narragansett – Francis “Frank” Kane, Jr., 89, of Sweet Birch Trail died Sunday, November 2, 2014 at Rhode Island Hospital in Providence surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Deborah A. (Neilsen) Kane with whom he celebrated their 32nd wedding anniversary on October 25, 2014. Born in Providence, the son of the late Francis and Marjorie (Taylor) Kane, he lived in Cranston moving to Narragansett in 1982. He worked as a roofer, employed in the residential construction industry retiring in 1982. He served during World War II in the United States Navy from Dec. 10, 1942 to Sept. 28, 1945. He was injured on February 20, 1944 in the sinking of USS LST-348. Participating in the landings in Anzio-Nettuno, Operation Shingle, USS LST 348 was torpedoed by German Submarine U-410 and was sunk about 40 nautical miles south of Naples, Italy. On board were 103 crew members; 24 died in the attack, including four officers. Frank was rescued by USS LCI(L)-219 and later was one of 31 men transferred to the British hospital ship HMHS Leinster. Most of the injured were suffering from second and third degree burns received in a fire on board after the vessel was hit and split in two by a second torpedo. Frank was the recipient of a Purple Heart. He was a member of the US LST Association and a life member of the American Legion. One of his passions in life was being a military historian. He was an avid collector with many diverse interests. His collections include trains, trolley cars, fire trucks, books and military memorabilia. He loved animals. For over 50 years he was a member of the Rhode Island Highlanders Pipe Band playing the bass drum. He was a member of the St. Andrews Society of Rhode Island. In addition to his wife, he is survived by three daughters: Candace, Lynn and Meghan Kane and two granddaughters: Chelsie Kane and Skylar Swanson. He was the brother of Ann, William and Joseph Kane. He was grandfather of the late Braxton Kane Swanson. His funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2014 at 12:00 pm at Carpenter-Jenks Funeral Home & Crematory, 659 East Greenwich Avenue, West Warwick. Calling hours will be on Friday from 4:00 – 7:00 pm. Burial with military honors will be in New Fernwood Cemetery, Kingston. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations made to: March of Dimes RI Chapter, 220 West Exchange Street, Providence, RI 02903 (or at www.marchofdimes.org/rhodeisland). Remembrances may be offered on line at carpenterjenks.com.
View Full Notice → Francis “Frank” Kane Jr. – Narragansett, RI