Frank E. Force

November 17, 1925 - December 12, 2015
Frank E. Force

Frank E. Force of Williamsburg passed away on December 12, after a long battle with cancer. Born in 1925 in Milton Township, Mahoning County, Ohio, he was a resident of Williamsburg since 1967, serving as City Manager until 1991. He graduated from the Ohio State University in 1950 with a B.S. in Civil Engineering. A registered professional engineer and surveyor, Mr. Force served with the Ohio Highway Department, the city of Kent, Ohio, and Public Works Magazine before starting his career in city management. Prior to Williamsburg, he filled that position in Hellertown, Pa. and Radford, Va. During his tenure in Williamsburg, Mr. Force oversaw the expansion of needed infrastructure while keeping the city debt free, and greatly enjoyed the relationships with those with whom he worked.

In addition to participating in and leading various public service and charitable organizations throughout his career, Mr. Force served as the Virginia representative on the 1980 Commission on the Future of the South, appointed by Governor John Dalton. For fifty two years, Mr. Force was an active and faithful member of Rotary International, finishing with thirty six years perfect attendance and as a six time Paul Harris Fellow, being made an honorary member in 2014. He was past president of the local club and also a former Assistant District Governor. He was an honorary member of the Kiwanis Club, a member of the Middle Plantation Club, and a member of the United Methodist Church.

Mr. Force is survived by his wife of 63 years, Marjorie, and his daughter Debra and her husband Gilles Morin of New York City, and son Greg and his wife Vicki of Spartanburg, SC. He is also survived by his granddaughter Cameron Force, grandson Coleman Force, and his sister-in-law Betty Force of Milton Township, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his parents Erland and Minnie, his sister Dorothy, and his brother Robert.

A Memorial Service will be held at Bucktrout Funeral Home, 4124 Ironbound Rd. Williamsburg, on Wednesday, December 23, at 3:00 p.m. immediately followed by a reception at Bucktrout Funeral Home. Memorial donations may be made in Frank’s name to the Salvation Army, 151 Kristiansand Dr Ste 109, Williamsburg, VA 23188-1013.


Service

Wednesday, December 23, 2015
12:00 AM - 12:00 AM

Bucktrout Funeral Home - Directions
4124 Ironbound Road
Williamsburg, VA 23188
757-229-3822

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  • December 14, 2015
    Tiena Kusmira says:
    Dear Mrs. Force, Debbie and Greg. I am so sorry for your loss. I was proud to work for Mr. Force From June 17, 2974 until his retirement. He was truly a special man and a great asset to Williamsburg. May he rest in peace.

  • December 15, 2015
    Elise Emanuel says:
    I am so sorry for your loss. Frank Force led Williamsburg with grace and force. My special thoughts are with Debbie who was my excellent student at James Blair High School.

  • December 15, 2015
    Ted Maslin says:
    Frank Force provided a good example of servant leadership, whether he was picking up trash along Jamestown Road on weekends or assisting residents during emergencies. I first met Mr. Force when he responded to a burglary at a home where I was staying while attending a conference in Williamsburg as a college student. The two of us went in search of the residents' car which had been stolen by the burglars. Mr. Force found it in the College parking lot. Several years later, I had the privilege to work with Mr. Force when I was President of the Williamsburg Volunteer Fire Department. His support was critical for us.

  • December 17, 2015
    Patty Peterson says:
    While I never met Frank, he always asked about me since his son, Greg hired me 20+ years ago to work at Tindall and Phil Cyra (who Frank worked with) lived across the Street from me. A small world. In reading the article in yesterday's Gazette I quickly learned where many of his son's attributes come from and that Frank was caring man with great passion for things he was involved with. Please know the entire family is in my thoughts and prayers . With sympathy, Patty

  • December 18, 2015
    Robert Warren says:
    My Wife and I wish our condolences to the Force family in this time of sorrow. You are all in our thoughts and prayers