Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:
WILMINGTON, MA — Frank L. Mugford, age 92, a long-time resident of Wilmington, passed away peacefully on April 22, 2025, at the Lahey Clinic in Burlington with his family by his side.
Frank was born on January 6, 1933; he was the dear son of the late Leander and Emmie (Tucker) Mugford. He spent his youth in Chelsea, MA, and attended Chelsea High School.
He was inducted into the U. S. Army on April 15, 1953, during the Korean War. He belonged to company L 135th Infantry Regiment. Following active duty, he was honorably discharged on April 14, 1955, and was transferred to the U. S. Army Reserves.
He met his bride to be, Hilda, at a friend’s wedding of all places. They were married on November 6, 1960, and moved to their first home in Wilmington, on Main Street by Silver Lake, later moving to Marcus Road in 1970. Together, they would reside in that home for the rest of their lives. They enjoyed annual vacations to Wells Beach, Maine for over 35 years, they went on vacations and cruises with family, and loved to go to Foxwoods to gain their Wampum points.
Frank made a career for himself at Diamond Crystal Salt Company in Wilmington, beginning in an entry level position as a cost clerk and working his way up the ranks to Manager of Sales and Business Administration. He worked there for 42 years, retiring in 2000.
He loved candlepin bowling, where he participated in a league in North Reading for decades. He enjoyed and played basketball and had the good fortune to attend many Celtics games with his youngest son, including the final championship games in 1984, 1985 and 1986 (the loss in ’85 hurt).
He was a frequent patron of Kitty’s in North Reading, particularly in his later years, where it was a given that he would get the baked haddock while joking, laughing and playing Keno with his sister, brother-in-law, and his nieces. Perhaps his two biggest passions were coin collecting and shooting with all of his buddies at the Reading Rifle and Revolver Club, where he was inducted as a lifetime member…he was a part of that club for over 60 years!
Frank was the beloved husband of the late Hilda C. (Jaynes) Mugford, devoted father of Pamela McCarn and her husband Michael McCarn of Gilford, NH, Scott Mugford and his wife Michelle Mugford of Dracut, and Dr. James Mugford and his wife Dr. Lesley Mugford of Belchertown. Loving “Buppa” of Leah Gardner, Andrew Mugford, Aiden Mugford, Nathan Mugford, and Samantha Mugford. Dear brother of the late Gertrude Baggs, Marion Bishop, Murray Mugford, Nellie Gillespie, George Mugford, and Robert Mugford. Frank is survived by many nieces and nephews and their families.
Family and friends will gather for Visitation at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, MA, on Friday, May 2nd from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. with a Service to celebrate Frank’s life at 1:00 p.m. Internment with Military Honors will follow in Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington, MA.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Frank’s memory may be made to the Salvation Army, 209 Broadway, Saugus, MA 01906.
To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit our website at www.nicholsfuneralhome.com.
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