It Is Our Sad Duty to Inform You All of the Passing of a Shipmate

Shipmates, It is our sad duty to inform you all of the passing of a Shipmate. Frank G. Alton, 93, passed away Oct. 23, 2011, at Fairview in Groton. Frank was born on Sept. 29, 1918, in Santa Anna, Calif., and was married onMay 12, 1941, to Gloria S. (Williams) Alton, who passed away in 2003.

Frank qualified submarines in 1939 aboard the USS R-11(SS-88). He also served onboard the USS GUARDFISH (SS 217), USS REDFIN (SS 272), USS CAPITAINE (SS 336), USS SEA ROBIN (SS 407), USS TUSK (SS 426) and the USS SPERRY (AS 12).

Frank was a veteran of both World War II and the Korean War, Frank retired in 1958 as an ENC(SS). He then worked for several years as a driver at the U.S. Naval Submarine Base in Groton. Frank joined us at USSVI Groton Base in 2006 he was a Life and Holland Club member.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday at Maplewood Cemetery, Norwich. The Honors detail will muster at the cemetery at 1:45 pm, and will go on shortly after. The uniform, if you have it, will be USSVI Vest, Garrison Cap, Long Sleeve White Shirt, Black Pants, and Black Tie. There are no calling hours.

Byles-Groton Memorial Home, 310 Thames St., is assisting with his arrangements.