Francis Richard Carrigan

Francis R. “Frank” Carrigan, having experienced a long and amazing life with a true love of aviation, departed on his final flight from his home of 50 years on November 21, 2024, at the age of 96 years. Frank is preceded in death by his parents Edward and Grace Carrigan, his loving wife Dorothy C. Carrigan (O'Lear), and his siblings Edward, Rita (King), and Alfred. He is survived by his sister Frances (Hightower) and his children Robert, David, Michael, Patricia and Mary. Frank was blessed with eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Frank was born in Newport Rhode Island to an Irish Catholic, US Navy family. He had a happy childhood with close family bonds. He often told stories of his childhood that always centered around his Catholic school education and the multiple sports he played. Frank was quite the athlete, becoming a Letterman at Holy Trinity High School of Norfolk, VA, where he played football, baseball, and basketball. After graduation he enlisted in the US Army Air Corp. One of his proudest moments was later being hand selected to play for the US Air Force football team. He had the privilege of playing in the first ever Poinsettia Bowl in 1950 as a running back.

Frank married the love of his life, Dorothy C. O'Lear, on May 9, 1955. Through life’s many adventures, Frank and Dorothy's love continued to grow while they raised five wonderful children together. They were incredibly supportive parents, always putting their children’s dreams and ambitions above their own. Their loving and supportive marriage spanned over 46 years, until Dorothy sadly passed away in 2001. Truly heartbroken, Frank turned to his other love, aviation and flying, where he maintained an active and fulfilled life surrounded by family and friends for another 20+ years.

 Frank was a man of unmatched integrity and love of country, leading him to a 20-year career in the Army Air Corp / United States Air Force. He led a stellar career as a Military Policeman, Crew Chief and Air Traffic Controller, his service encompassing both the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War. After retiring as a Master Sergeant from the Air Force, Frank joined the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) working as a Flight Service Specialist for 20 years, retiring in 1988. Frank's love of aviation, and military aircraft in particular, led him to a fulfilling and active retirement volunteering with the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) as a Crew Chief, PX Officer and Tour Leader. His happiness grew as his wife Dorothy eventually joined him in touring with the CAF, where they traveled extensively both domestically and abroad. They experienced many beautiful places together, made lifelong friends and added so much happiness and fulfillment to each of their lives.

Frank was a man of great faith, which gave him much strength and comfort throughout the years. He also was very proud of and embraced his Irish Catholic heritage. He would never admit it, but he definitely had a good amount of Irish stubbornness in him, which we will greatly miss.

We will forever hold our Dads memory, undying love, humor, kindness and wisdom in our hearts. We are filled with happiness and peace knowing that Frank and Dorothy are lovingly back together again. He will be greatly missed by us, and by all who knew him! 

As he would often say when wishing us goodnight: I love you, take care, and Bonsoir! 

Death leaves a heartache

no one can heal,

Love leaves a memory

no one can steal