Franklin L. Hendrick

Franklin L. Hendrick, 90, of Westminster, died peacefully Monday, December 9, 2024, in his home after a period of declining health, with his family by his side.

Born in Muskegon, Michigan, on May 27, 1934, he was the son of the late Laurence Van and Margaret (Johnson) Hendrick. He graduated from Muskegon Heights High School with the Class of 1953 and attended Fitchburg Teachers College, where he studied Industrial Arts. Franklin was a United States Army Korean Era Veteran serving from 1954 to 1956, working in the US Army Security Agency (ASA), and later in the Reserves. He received the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. He was stationed at Fort Devens in Ayer, during which time he met the love of his life, Lorraine “Rainey” LeBlanc. He was a heavy diesel mechanic for over 50 years and was employed by Red Star Express of Billerica for many years until his retirement. 

Franklin was a parishioner of Holy Cross Church in Palmetto, Florida, where he had a winter home. At an early age, Franklin showed an incredible aptitude as a mechanic and outdoorsman. In his youth, he was granted the title of Eagle Scout by the Scouts of America, and for a period was the youngest Eagle Scout ever at 15 years of age, in Michigan. He was an avid snowmobiler and motorcyclist and continued to ride until a few years ago. He was a member of Teamsters and the Family Motor Coach Association. He was an automotive enthusiast who loved cars, whether repairing them or driving, as well as maintaining his motor home. Franklin and his late wife, Lorraine, often attended car and motorcycle shows, traveled the country in their motor home, and went on many cruises around the world, although Hawaii was his favorite. His greatest joy was his family, treasuring the time he spent with them. 

Franklin is survived by his children, Steven Hendrick, Larry Hendrick, Rose Marie Hendrick, Mark Hendrick and his wife Christina; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A special thank you to his son, Larry, for his dedication and loving, round-the-clock care throughout Franklin’s illness.

He was predeceased by his wife of 67 years, Lorraine “Rainey” M. (LeBlanc) Hendrick, who died in 2021; and two sisters, Catherine Landers and Margaret Ann Pellerin. 

Funeral Services will be held Friday, December 20, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. in Annunciation Parish at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church, 135 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA. Burial with Military Honors will follow at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon, MA. 

There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284, or on their website at (www.heart.org). Please reference in memory of Franklin L. Hendrick.