Former Riverhead resident Frank Sendlewski died November 20th at the Nursing Home of Murphy Medical in Murphy NC., at the age of 87.
He was born in Polish Town Feb. 22, 1926 to Thomas and Mary (Danielowich) Sendlewski, where he married Florence Densieski, who predeceased him in 2008. After spending many years operating his own shoe repair business, he worked until his retirement as a sheet metal worker at the Plum Island Animal Disease Center.
Frank served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, on the SS William D. Burnham, from which he survived its sinking by German U-978 on Thanksgiving Day 1944. He was a past Commander of the Riverhead Veterans of Foreign Wars post 2476 and he was also a 66 year member and ex-captain of the Riverhead Fire Department Eagle Hose Co. 4. He was also an original member of the Polish Town Civic Association. During his retirement years, his stature and his long silver hair and beard allowed him to bring enjoyment to many in his well suited role as Santa Claus.
In addition to his wife Florence, he is predeceased by his daughter Madelyn Sendlewski. He is survived by his daughter Maryann Mercer and her husband Alan of Murphy, NC.; his son Michael and wife Carol Ann of Cutchogue; His son Martin and wife Patty of Baiting Hollow; six grandchildren: Kristy and husband Dr. Mitch Mickaliger of VA., Ashley and Andrew Sendlewski of Cutchogue, Jennifer and Jeffrey Sendlewski of Riverhead and Jason Sendlewski of Baiting Hollow; and one great grandchild Nicholas Sendlewski of Riverhead. He was also predeceased by his brother Thomas and survived by his brother John of Va. and sister Madelyn Zaweski of Jamesport.
Visitation will be on Sunday Nov. 24 from 2:00-4:00 & 7:00-9:00 pm. at McLaughlin-Heppner Funeral Home in Riverhead. A funeral Mass will be held on Monday Nov. 25 at 9:30 am. at St. Isidores R.C. Church with interment following at St. Isidore R.C. Cemetery in Riverhead.