Obituaries
Baker James G 6/67-11/69 CDR CO
JAMES G. BAKER, CDR, USN Ret. CO of USS Frank Knox from 12-1967 to 11-1969 died 1-24-2016.. He had a "major stroke" on Friday according to his son and was in a coma. His death was reported by his son David. Cards and notes should be directed to: Mrs. James G Baker, 1455 Walden Oaks Place, Plant City FL 33563.
"Captain Baker was a major influence in my life. I don't think I'd be the person I became without his mentoring" "I will be forever grateful for what I learned as a young man aboard DDR-742." Pete Sandrock, CAPT USN Ret.
JAMES G. BAKER, CDR, USN Ret. CO of USS Frank Knox from 12-1967 to 11-1969 died 1-24-2016.. He had a "major stroke" on Friday according to his son and was in a coma. His death was reported by his son David. Cards and notes should be directed to: Mrs. James G Baker, 1455 Walden Oaks Place, Plant City FL 33563.
"Captain Baker was a major influence in my life. I don't think I'd be the person I became without his mentoring" "I will be forever grateful for what I learned as a young man aboard DDR-742." Pete Sandrock, CAPT USN Ret.
Beachkofski Robert V 11/44-4/46 SKD1 Life Member
It's with deep sadness that we say farewell to Robert " Bob" Beachkofski.
On Feb 4, 2021, he ran out of steam at the ripe old age of 102 years and 10 months. He told a nurse just the other day that he was looking forward to celebrating his 103rd birthday in April!
Due to covid, the funeral service is being livestreamed and only the immediate family and a color guard will attend. We're hoping to have a gun salute (performed right outside the funeral home), but I don't know if that will be part of the livestream service.
Dad was very proud to have served in the U.S. Navy on the U.S.S. Frank Knox. It was a highlight of his life and he had very fond memories of his World War II experiences as a sailor. During the pre and post Commissioning equipment upgrade, Bob assigned guards, and guarded, the new radar, stored in a warehouse, and Top Secret at the time. He resumed his disbursing duties only to find shipmate AL SMITH RD1 in and out of the supply office for parts and installation requests.
Al and his radar team accounted for six Japanese planes guarding Halsey’s Third Fleet. He and my mother Eileen also thoroughly enjoyed attending the U.S.S. Frank Knox reunions. Some of his friendships with fellow sailors lasted over 60 years.
It's with deep sadness that we say farewell to Robert " Bob" Beachkofski.
On Feb 4, 2021, he ran out of steam at the ripe old age of 102 years and 10 months. He told a nurse just the other day that he was looking forward to celebrating his 103rd birthday in April!
Due to covid, the funeral service is being livestreamed and only the immediate family and a color guard will attend. We're hoping to have a gun salute (performed right outside the funeral home), but I don't know if that will be part of the livestream service.
Dad was very proud to have served in the U.S. Navy on the U.S.S. Frank Knox. It was a highlight of his life and he had very fond memories of his World War II experiences as a sailor. During the pre and post Commissioning equipment upgrade, Bob assigned guards, and guarded, the new radar, stored in a warehouse, and Top Secret at the time. He resumed his disbursing duties only to find shipmate AL SMITH RD1 in and out of the supply office for parts and installation requests.
Al and his radar team accounted for six Japanese planes guarding Halsey’s Third Fleet. He and my mother Eileen also thoroughly enjoyed attending the U.S.S. Frank Knox reunions. Some of his friendships with fellow sailors lasted over 60 years.
Evans Thomas 67-70 FTG3
THOMAS EVANS, FTG3, On Board from 1967 - August 1970. Passed away May 13, 2003 in Orangeville, PA. His death was reported by his brother, Army Veteran John Evans. They served in the military at the same time. John was in the Army in country Vietnam (Cam Rahn Bay) when Frank Knox was planning a stop in Vung Tau. John's account of a planned visit with his brother is in the blog. John Evans, texasevans@yahoo.com. (Reported May 31, 2016)
THOMAS EVANS, FTG3, On Board from 1967 - August 1970. Passed away May 13, 2003 in Orangeville, PA. His death was reported by his brother, Army Veteran John Evans. They served in the military at the same time. John was in the Army in country Vietnam (Cam Rahn Bay) when Frank Knox was planning a stop in Vung Tau. John's account of a planned visit with his brother is in the blog. John Evans, texasevans@yahoo.com. (Reported May 31, 2016)
Healy James E "Jim" 6/62-11/64 RD3 Chicago, IL Life Member
James E Healy Jr. retired Sargent of the 24th district C.P.D. Beloved husband of Susan nee Soffe. Loving father of Julie Marie (Joseph) Healy and James C.P.D. (Julie Marie). Proud grandfather of George, Michelle, Rachel, Meghan, Leah, and Paige and great-grandfather of 4. Dear Brother of Lawrence retired C.P.D. (Betty). Fond brother-in-law of Bonnie (Jeff) Beyer. Private interment at Abraham Lincoln Cemetery Elwood IL. Jim was a proud member of the United States Navy serving on the U.S.S. Frank Knox. He was a proud long time member and assistant pipe major of the Pipes and Drums of the Emerald Society. Jim was a super tour guide in Chicago, telling us who died where, police stories from his career and guiding the tour driver to see a lot extra sights and had the driver loving every minute of the tour. The FK Board has decided to have a Jim Healy Emerald Piper at all future reunions to honor Jim.
James E Healy Jr. retired Sargent of the 24th district C.P.D. Beloved husband of Susan nee Soffe. Loving father of Julie Marie (Joseph) Healy and James C.P.D. (Julie Marie). Proud grandfather of George, Michelle, Rachel, Meghan, Leah, and Paige and great-grandfather of 4. Dear Brother of Lawrence retired C.P.D. (Betty). Fond brother-in-law of Bonnie (Jeff) Beyer. Private interment at Abraham Lincoln Cemetery Elwood IL. Jim was a proud member of the United States Navy serving on the U.S.S. Frank Knox. He was a proud long time member and assistant pipe major of the Pipes and Drums of the Emerald Society. Jim was a super tour guide in Chicago, telling us who died where, police stories from his career and guiding the tour driver to see a lot extra sights and had the driver loving every minute of the tour. The FK Board has decided to have a Jim Healy Emerald Piper at all future reunions to honor Jim.
Krieg, Orv 9/50 - 5/54 GM2 April 16, 2021 Independence, OR
Past Reunion President
Past Reunion President
Smith, Al 03/45 - 01/46 RD1 June 3, 2013 Annapolis, MD
The entire USS Frank Knox Reunion Association family is saddened by the passing of 92 year old Al Smith of Annapolis MD. Al died Monday, June 3, 2013. As a World War II veteran serving aboard our ship, Al missed being a "plank owner" by a mere 4 weeks. He fully enjoyed our reunions and attended many of them with his daughter Helen. He had many friends in the association and will undoubtedly be missed by all.
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The entire USS Frank Knox Reunion Association family is saddened by the passing of 92 year old Al Smith of Annapolis MD. Al died Monday, June 3, 2013. As a World War II veteran serving aboard our ship, Al missed being a "plank owner" by a mere 4 weeks. He fully enjoyed our reunions and attended many of them with his daughter Helen. He had many friends in the association and will undoubtedly be missed by all.
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Summers Robert "Bob" 6/67-7/69 STG3
Past Reunion President
ROBERT (Bob) SUMMERS, STG3, On board from 1967-1970. BOB SUMMERS, STG-3, passed away this morning (5-12-16) of cancer. His death was reported by his daughter Jennifer. He is survived by his daughter and two sons. Many of you will remember Donna Scuitto Bob's companion at many reunions. Donna and Jennifer and family kept careful watch over Bob during his illness and during his final days. Notes can go to family and friends at Bob's Foster City address below. I'll post notice of services when Bob's family decides location and date. Orv and Nancy plus all of us who worked closely with Bob on the Frank Knox Reunion Association will miss him. Bob left the Reunion Association with a strong board and a vision which will keep the FKRA vital and growing in the coming years . SteveCross, Webmaster
Past Reunion President
ROBERT (Bob) SUMMERS, STG3, On board from 1967-1970. BOB SUMMERS, STG-3, passed away this morning (5-12-16) of cancer. His death was reported by his daughter Jennifer. He is survived by his daughter and two sons. Many of you will remember Donna Scuitto Bob's companion at many reunions. Donna and Jennifer and family kept careful watch over Bob during his illness and during his final days. Notes can go to family and friends at Bob's Foster City address below. I'll post notice of services when Bob's family decides location and date. Orv and Nancy plus all of us who worked closely with Bob on the Frank Knox Reunion Association will miss him. Bob left the Reunion Association with a strong board and a vision which will keep the FKRA vital and growing in the coming years . SteveCross, Webmaster