Founder of Celus Fasteners, Korean War veteran
Published January 7, 2021
NORTH READING – Frank C. Lahnston Jr., 84, of North Reading and formerly of Medway, died peacefully at home with close friends by his side, on December 28, 2020.
Born in Boston, Mass., on April 17, 1936, he was the son of the late Frank C. and Mary (Dyer) Lahnston. Frank grew up on the family farm in Medway. He was active in Boy Scouts and attained the rank of Eagle Scout. He was a graduate of Medway High School, Class of 1954. He attended Northeastern University and graduated from Bridgeport Technical Institute. Frank honorably served in Korea with the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957.
Frank was the founder of Celus Fasteners of Andover. He also worked for his father’s company, Charles River Feed Stores in Wayland.
He was married to Judith Beaudry from 1957 to 1980; together they had two children, Laurel Hinkel of West Peabody and Frank C. Lahnston, III, who tragically died in 1982. From 1983 to 1997 he was married to Debra (Nelson) Doucette and they have remained close friends. Frank met Lynne Jones in 1999; they shared 15 happy and loving years together until her unfortunate passing in 2014. Surviving siblings include Anton Lahnston, Chris Lahnston and Mary Lahnston Ford, all of Maine. He is also survived by his granddaughter, Jessica Roundy, and his great- grandson, Jackson Roundy. Additionally, he is survived by many nieces, nephews and very close friends, including Kevin Donle and his wife Kathy of North Reading.
He lived his life with enthusiasm and with interests that took him to some of the most majestic places in the world, as well as the quieter and more serene destinations. His travels always included a close friend or family member and his love for the outdoors and nature. He was a sports and political enthusiast and loved conversation on both subjects. He also loved gardening, hiking, fishing, hunting, and especially enjoyed gathering with friends at his home while overlooking his beautiful gardens and trout pond. Frank loved nature and was always sure to include it as part of his adventures.
His funeral Mass will be held at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter Street (Rte. 62), North Reading on Thursday, January 7 at 10:30 a.m. The funeral Mass will be live streamed (www.sttheresanreading.org). Interment will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Medway at 1:15 p.m. There will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his name to franciscansisterspeoria.org.
Arrangements are by Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.croswellfuneralhome.com.
