Frank P. Dingley (1926 – 2012)
Frank P. Dingley
FARMINGTON - Frank P. Dingley, 86, died peacefully in his sleep at the Orchard Park Rehabilitation and Living Center on August 17, 2012.
Frank was born on June 21, 1926 in Farmington to Roland Sylvester and Cordana Coolidge Dingley. He grew up in a loving and caring family with his parents, two brothers Eddie and Dana, and two sisters, Jackie and Sally. He was part of a large extended family that includes the Dingleys, Austins, and Morrills. Frank attended elementary school in Farmington and graduated from Farmington HighSchool where he excelled in football, baseball, and basketball.
Shortly after starting college, Frank followed his two brothers into the Air Force where he served as a tail gunner on a B29. At the end of WWII he was discharged with the rank of Sergeant. After attending the University of Maine and receiving his teaching degree, Frank started his teaching career in Augusta. He soon moved to Farmington where taught and was principal of the Ingalls School for many years and later at the Farmington Middle School. Frank positively influenced the lives of many youg people with his 33 years in the teaching profession.
Frank P. Dingley
On June 15, 1952, Frank married Jean Whitney in Farmington and they had two sons, Peter and Jon. Jean and Frank recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.
From a young age, Frank developed a fascination with antiques and this became a life long devotion. He operated his antique shop on Maple Avenue for many years and was considered very knowledgeable in early American antiques and served for many years in the leadership of the Maine Antique Association.
Frank served the Farmington community in many different ways. He taught Red Cross swimming in Strattion and at the Pine Tree Camp for Crippled Children. He was a member of the Henderson Memorial Baptist Church and served as a deacon, Sunday School superintendent. Frank was also a member of the Farmington Historical Society where he served as curator for many years. In 2011, Frank was honored in Augusta by the Maine Health Care Association as a “Remember Me” honoree for his many years of community service.
Frank is survived by his wife Jean, sons Peter and his wife Lorraine, Jon and his wife Laurel, grandchildren Kathryn and husband Kevin Gurney and their sons Michael and Alexander, Andrew, Nadean, Cordana, and Corinne; friend Lori Thayer; brother Dana and sister Sally and Husband Gearry Ranger; many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, brother Eddie, and sister Jackie.
Written condolences may be sent to Jean Dingley, 143 Maple Ave., Farmington, ME 04938 or by email jwding@myfairpoint.net.
Donations in Frank’s memory may be made to the Care and Share Food Closet, Mary O’Donald, Tres., 201 Barlen St., Farmington, ME 04938
Committal service for family and close friends will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the care of Dan and Scott’s Cremation and Funeral Services.
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I am so sorry to read this. I did my student teaching in Ingalls school when Frank was principal, and he helped me get my first job. Later, we were colleagues in SAD 9. He had a positive effect on many of us.
Rest in peace Grandpa Dingley.You and your family were a huge part of my son Ryan's growing up years. Our sympathy to the family.
So sorry to hear of Frank's passing. WE shared several years together in educating area youths. Frank was inspiring, caring, and a true gentleman. We'll miss you terribly.
Principal Dingley will always be remembered as a great role model and leader. He and such other leaders as Don Kenney, Ellworth Crocker, Bob Meade, Grace Heath, Ethel Emerson, Alice Stevens, Mrs. Lincoln, Mrs. Dyke, Arthur Crowell, Bill York, Freda Kelley, Mrs. Howatt, and the school secretary Audrey Bergeron, along with school custodian Fred Collins ran a tight ship at the Ingalls School when I was there.
An array of talented student teachers such as Tom Knight, Jim Bessey, Bob Hall, and Peter Brown did their share too.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. sorry for your loss.
Fond memories of Mr. Dingley, 8th grade teacher. Deepest sympathy to his family. An honorable man.
Frank Dingley was a wonderful man, who served children his whole life as a teacher and principal. He was a cheerful, friendly, and helpful colleague to me when I first moved to the Farmington area. In his role as antiques dealer, he also helped Terry and me furnish our home! We will both continue to enjoy the memories we have of Frank in his various roles. Jean, you have our most sincere sympathy at Frank's passing.
Jean, Hugs and healing thoughts for you, Peter, Jon and their families. Many good memories going back a very long way...
I was sorry to hear that Frank Dingley died. When he was acting principal at the Mallet school in 1956, I was a student teacher under him. He gave me the school boys basketball team to coach and because of his principal duties gave me the 8th grade class to teach. It was a great year. My prayers go to his family.