Frank Ingraham, 72, Olin manager
Francis S. “Frank” Ingraham of Ridgefield, a corporate business manager who was active in church and community groups, died surrounded by his family Friday, July 9, 2004, at Danbury Hospital after a long illness with myotonic muscular dystrophy. He had just turned 72 years old the day before.
Mr. Ingraham was born July 8, 1932, in Natick, Mass., a son of the late Edward Forster Ingraham and Marion Slack Ingraham.
Mr. Ingraham attended Marblehead High School, graduating in the Class of 1949. He went on to Harvard University, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry in 1953. He married Janet Gould Ingraham on July 9, 1955 in Marblehead, Mass.
After graduation from Harvard, Mr. Ingraham attended the Naval Officers Candidate School in Newport, R.I., and, after being commissioned an ensign, trained at the Combat Information Center Officers School in Glenview, Ill., and the U.S. Naval School of Naval Justice. He spent four years in the U.S. Navy, serving as a lieutenant and chief justice aboard the USS Gearing DD710 in the Mediterranean during the end of the Korean War. He was awarded the National Defense Service Ribbon.
Upon completion of his naval duties, he attended Wharton Graduate School of the University of Pennsylvania, receiving a master’s degree in business administration.
Mr. Ingraham began his career with Penn Salt Corp in Philadelphia and Wyandotte, Mich. While with Penn Salt, he was a member of the American Chemical Society and wrote several papers for publication.
In 1970, he joined Olin Corporation in Stamford as business manager, and the same year, the family moved to Bruschi Lane. He retired from Olin in 1991 after 21 years with the company.
Over the years, Mr. Ingraham had volunteered with many community organizations, including serving as a PTA president and president of a church couples club in Bryn Mawr, Pa. In Ridgefield, he had been active at Jesse Lee Memorial United Methodist Church, serving years ago as superintendent of the Sunday School. For many years, he baked the doughnuts and funnel cakes for the Yankee Peddler Fair. He also belonged to the Ridgefield Men’s Club and many bridge groups.
During his retirement the Ingrahams enjoyed traveling. He was especially fond of the annual reunions with friends from the Navy.
“He loved the Boston Red Sox, always hoping they would win the Big One,” his family said. “He enjoyed his six grandchildren. He played a mean game of bridge and cribbage, especially delighting in beating his sons and grandson, Jake, in cribbage — he’s still six games ahead!”
Mr. Ingraham also enjoyed gardening, refinishing furniture and spending time with his family and friends.
Besides his wife of 49 years, Mr. Ingraham is survived by four sons and their families: Francis “Skip” Ingraham Jr. and his wife, Deb, and their children Emily and Francis III “Jake” and their foster son, David Doebrick of Manchester; John “Jack” Ingraham and his wife Celeste and their children Mita and Martin of Dover, Pa.; Robert “Bob” Ingraham of Ridgefield; and Douglas “Doug” Ingraham and his finance, Meredith McDermott and Doug’s children, Hope and David of Ridgefield; and by a brother, Edward F. Ingraham of Epping, N.H. A sister, Emily Hammer, died before him.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, July 19, at 2 p.m. in Jesse Lee Memorial United Methodist Church.
The family will receive friends at the Church from 1 to 2 and immediately after the services.
Burial with military honors will take place at a later date at the Waterside Cemetery in Marblehead.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, c/o Webster Bank, 141 Hebron Ave, Glastonbury, CT 06033 or Jesse Lee Memorial United Methodist Church, 207 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT 06877
The Kane Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.