Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:
WILMINGTON, MA — Burlington Police Department Retired Detective Frank A. Nardone, age 75, of Wilmington, formerly a long-time resident of Burlington, passed away unexpectedly at home on January 16, 2022.
Frank was born on August 2, 1946, in Medford, MA; he was the dear son of the late Angelo “Sonny” and Dorothy (Wheaton) Nardone. Frank was raised and educated in Medford and graduated from Medford High School where he met his high school sweetheart Kathy Hansford.
Frank enlisted in the United States Navy on January 14, 1964 and began active duty. Frank served aboard the USS Cadmus out of Newport, Rhode Island as an electrician’s mate; he also served at the U. S. Navy Reserves Manpower Center in Bainbridge, Maryland and earned the National Defense Service Medal. Frank was honorably discharged from active duty on August 1, 1967 and continued to serve in the U. S. Naval Reserves until August of 1970. Upon his discharge, Frank, worked as an electrician at the Boston Navy Yard prior to its closing.
On August 25, 1964, Frank married the “love of his life and best friend” Kathy Hansford; the couple shared many wonderful years together with family and friends before Kathy’s passing in 2016. Frank and Kathy settled in Burlington, MA, where they lived for over 20 years and raised their three sons Frank, Jr., James and Shawn. Frank was very devoted to his family, he worked hard to provide for them and was always so proud of everything they did; when Frank became “Papa” his world was even brighter and he just adored his grandchildren.
Frank and Kathy looked forward to boating, being on the water, summers spent in Hartford, Maine or camping in New Hampshire with their family and friends; everyone always had a great time and countless memories were made throughout the years. Frank and Kathy moved to Wilmington over 25 years ago and Frank became the “mayor” of his neighborhood along with his faithful dog Maddie. Frank was the ultimate neighbor; he kept watch on everyone’s homes while they were away or at work, he watched out for the neighborhood kids, and he was the most friendly and lovable guy you could have as a neighbor and friend.
Frank had an endearing personality; he made everyone feel loved and welcomed wherever he went. He and Kathy had an “open door policy” with their family and friends; they were the ultimate host and hostess and had many family celebrations, holidays, barbeques, or any other occasion to get everyone together.
Frank was appointed on a provisional basis to the Burlington Police Department in October of 1974, and was officially appointed as a full time Police Officer in December of 1975. He graduated from the Northern Middlesex Police Academy in 1976. Through Frank’s hard work and dedication to the department as well as the community, he worked his way up the ranks. During this time, Frank, continued his education at Middlesex Community College where he earned his Degree in Criminal Justice. Frank was appointed to the Detective Unit in 1990; Frank excelled in his new position, he got along well with his co-workers and the townspeople alike. During his time as a detective he worked on a number of narcotics cases most notably in 1999 when Detective Nardone was part of a combined Federal, State and Local law enforcement effort that broke up a major heroin ring operating in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Frank retired from the department in December of 2006, following many years of dedicated service to the Town of Burlington.
Frank will be fondly remembered for his great sense of humor; he was quite a “jokester” and loved to make people laugh. He looked forward to his breakfasts with his buddies at the Country Chef Restaurant or lunches at Rocco’s Restaurant where they reminisced about times past and had a few good laughs. Frank was one of the “good guys”; a devoted family man, a great Police Officer, a proud Veteran and a true friend to many; he will be forever in the hearts and minds of those he touched.
Frank was the beloved husband of the late Kathleen “Kathy” (Hansford) Nardone, devoted father of Frank A. Nardone, Jr. of Seabrook, NH, James E. Nardone & his wife Terry of Turner, ME, and Shawn P. Nardone & his wife Stefany of Atkinson, NH, father-in-law of Jill Cohen of Tyngsboro, MA, loving “Papa” of Charlene, Jessica, Travis, Nathan, Heaven, Aiden, and great-grandchildren Deklan, Aurora, Eden and Esther. Dear son of the late Angelo “Sonny” and Dorothy Nardone. Frank is also survived by his cherished dog Maddie and his brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and friends.
Family and friends will gather for Visiting Hours at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, MA, on Friday, January 21st from 4:00-7:00 p.m. A service to celebrate Frank’s life will be held at the Funeral Home on Saturday, January 22nd at 10:30 a.m. followed by his interment with Military Honors at Wildwood Cemetery in Wilmington, MA.
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