Francis “Frank” C. Santom, 94, formerly of Holden, passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side on Tuesday, November 10, 2015 at Notre Dame du Lac Assisted Living Center. Born and raised in Worcester, Frank was the son of Frank O. and Anna L. (Carroll) Santom and lived 56 years in Holden before moving to Worcester in 2005.

His wife of 55 years, Ruth C. (Maher) Santom, died in 2003. He leaves his daughter, Catherine A. Murphy and her husband, Andrew of Dracut; three sons, Michael E. Santom and his wife, Christine of Princeton, Stephen F. Santom and his wife, Martha of Worcester and David J. Santom and his wife, Rita of Westborough; nine grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; several nephews and nieces. He is predeceased by a brother, Donald Santom.

Frank graduated from South High School in 1939 and from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in 1943 with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. In 1945, Frank enlisted in the United States Army and honorably served his country during World War II as a 1st Lieutenant. He was assigned to the 838th Engineer Aviation Battalion and served in the European African Middle Eastern Theater where he received two Bronze Stars.

In 1948, Frank married Ruth C. Maher, moving to Holden where they raised their four children.

Frank’s professional engineering career spanned over four decades. He worked in various roles as foreman, project manager, chief engineer to general superintendent for many of New England’s major contractors.

He started his own construction company in 1967. In 1981 when he accepted a position with Camp Dresser and McKee, he traveled to the Philippines for 2 years and then back to the U.S. to work on various job sites until his retirement at age 76.

Frank was a founding member of St. George Church in Worcester, National Society of Professional Engineers, American Arbitration Association and the Literacy Volunteers of America. He was a proud father and actively involved in the youth hockey and baseball programs in Holden, coaching both sports for many years. He will be remembered for his commitment to his family, fondness for sports, calmness and fortitude.

While at Notre Dame du Lac, Frank was the past president of the Residence Council and an active resident.The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Notre Dame du Lac for their kindness and caring.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Frank’s family from 3 – 5 pm on Sunday, November 15, at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St, Holden. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 am on Monday, November 16, at Notre Dame du Lac Assisted Living Center, 555 Plantation St., Worcester. Interment will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Frank’s memory to Literacy Volunteers of Massachusetts, 8 Faneuil Hall Market Place, F-3, Boston, MA 02109 or to a charity committed to helping the young and in need.