Francis “Frank” Xavier Giustra Jr., 80, of Waldoboro, died unexpectedly on Sept. 22 in Rockport. He was born March 10, 1937 in Brooklyn, N.Y. to Dr. Frank Xavier Giustra and Dorothy Lockhart Erb Giustra of Camden.
Frank graduated from Poly Prep High School in Brooklyn, N.Y. in the class of 1955. He graduated from Union College in Schenectady, N.Y. with a Bachelor of Science in 1959. He was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. He later earned dual master’s degrees from Columbia University in Mathematics and Education.
Frank’s fondest memories growing up were spending time with his siblings on Cubsaw Lake in Wanaque, N.J., swimming and waterskiing on a motor boat that he built in 1957 from a kit. The boat still floats today. During his youth, he also enjoyed being a lifeguard.
Frank taught mathematics, and was the department chairman in several schools throughout New England from 1960 to 1980. He moved to Maine to purchase Frank’s Market in Warren which he owned and operated from 1980 to 1997.
Frank’s passion for athletics began at an early age in high school continuing to college, and throughout his whole life. The last day of his life, he had just finished swimming at the YMCA. Frank excelled in swimming and track during high school and college. He was captain of the high school swim team. He was a self-taught high jumper and pole vaulter using a bamboo pole on the track team. His most memorable competition was when he won first place for the high jump and pole vault, the last two events of the meet, to win the Ivy League Championship for Poly Prep, giving Poly their tenth consecutive track championship. Frank was awarded the “Dr. K Award” in 1955 for most improved track athlete. Frank’s passion and talent for athletics passed down to his grandchildren who excel in wrestling, track, cross country, soccer, swimming, lacrosse, hockey and ultimate Frisbee.
Swimming continued to be a great passion for Frank. He swam weekly with his brother, Dr. Peter Giustra at the Penobscot Bay YMCA in Rockport. Frank was a member of the Maine Masters Swim Club (MESC) where he and his brother, Peter, broke many swim records and received several awards. In 2016, Frank and his team members, Bill Reeve, Phil Kerr, Bill Jones, Peter Giustra, and Harry Schmitke, broke the men’s 80-year-old relay team records at the Maine and New England swim meet in the 200-meter freestyle relay by 28 seconds, 400-meter freestyle relay by 35 seconds, and a new event, the 400-meter medley relay.
Frank had a close bond with his brothers Peter and Dennis, like most Italians, they loved to eat, and enjoyed their weekly “happy hour” at “The Bog” in Waldoboro. They also looked forward to their annual excursion to Florida.
Frank was an avid Lionel train collector, and enjoyed swimming, bowling, tennis and golf. He was a volunteer teacher, swim instructor, and member of the MESC and served at its president from 1998-2000, and 2006-2008. He was also a member of the Penobscot Bay YMCA.
He is predeceased by his parents, Dr. Frank Xavier Giustra and Dorothy Lockhart Erb Giustra; and sister, Dorothy Giustra Fullerton.
Frank is survived by his wife of 53 years, Carolyn J. Giustra of Waldoboro; daughters, Caroline Winchenbach and husband Steve of Rockport, Dr. Lauren Giustra and husband Dr. Ankur Desai of Rome, N.Y., Kim Bonarrigo and husband Jay of Belmont; grandchildren, Connor, Benjamin, and Kyle Winchenbach of Rockport, Ankur Xavier, Deven, Tejas, and Chandni Desai of Rome, N.Y., and Grace and Vincent Bonarrigo of Belmont. He was the oldest of five brothers and three sisters.
Friends are welcome to join the family for a time of visitation from 5-7 p.m., Thurs., Sept. 28 at the Hall Funeral Home, 949 Main St., Waldoboro. The funeral mass will be held 10 a.m., Sept. 29 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 380 Academy Hill Rd., Newcastle. Burial will follow in St. Patrick’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Frank’s memory may be made to Penobscot Bay YMCA Swim Program, P.O. Box 840, Rockport, ME 04856.
You can share condolences with the family at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Hall’s of Waldoboro, 949 Main St., Waldoboro.
