Frank G. Sendlewski

Former Riverhead resident Frank Sendlewski died Nov. 20 at the Nursing Home at Murphy Medical Center in Murphy, N.C., at the age of 87.

He was born Feb. 22, 1926, to Thomas and Mary (Danielowich) Sendlewski in Polish Town, where he married Florence Densieski, who predeceased him in 2008. After spending many years operating his own shoe repair business, he was a sheet metal worker at Plum Island Animal Disease Center until his retirement.

Frank served in the U.S. Navy during World War II on the SS William D. Burnham, surviving 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 of Santa Claus.

In addition to his wife, Florence, Frank was predeceased by his daughter Madelyn Sendlewski. He is survived by his daughter Maryann Mercer and her husband, Alan, of Murphy, N.C., his son Michael and wife, Carol Ann, of Cutchogue, and his son Martin and wife, Patty, of Baiting Hollow; six grandchildren, Kristy and husband, Dr. Mitch Mickaliger of Virginia, 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 Virginia and sister, Madelyn Zaweski of Jamesport.

Visiting hours were Nov. 24 at McLaughlin Heppner Funeral Home in Riverhead. A funeral Mass was held Nov. 25 at St. Isidore R.C. Church in Riverhead, followed by interment at the church cemetery.

This is a paid notice.