BRUNSWICK — Frank W. Jurgilas, 94, died peacefully Aug. 10, with his family, at Horizons Living and Rehab Center.

Jurgilas had been residing at Brunswick’s Thorton Hall, an assisted living facility, for the past five years, after moving from the Rumford-Mexico area, his home for 89 years.

He was born in Rumford on March 22, 1921, to Frank and Annie (Velush) Jurgilas. He was a graduate of Mexico High School and went on to Becker College in Worcester, Massachusetts, where he received a business degree.

In his youth, Jurgilas was an accomplished musician, playing both the saxophone and violin in community symphonies and music ensembles, including a local Lithuanian group, St. Rocco’s Hall Band.

During World War II, Jurgilas served in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theater, aboard the USS Storm King. The ship was in port in Los Angeles when V-J Day was announced, and Jurgilas and a friend celebrated with Hollywood actor Lorne Greene. Another fond memory of his naval service, Jurgilas recalled, was being chosen for a dance by Marlena Dietrich at a USO club.

While in the Navy, Jurgilas also met his future wife, Doris Runnacles. The couple met on a blind date while Jurgilas was on leave in North Arlington, New Jersey. They were married in 1946 and settled in Rumford. There, they raised their family, and Frank worked in the metering and instrumentation department of a local paper mill.

He continued to enjoy dancing, and with his wife attended dances held by the Rumford Eagles Club, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Americana Legion, all of which he was a member.

Jurgilas was predeceased by his wife, Doris; his sister, Adele Mahoney; his son-in-law, Larry Gill; and a grandchild, Aaron Gill.

Jurgilas is survived by his daughter, Barbara Gill, of Auburn; his son, Frank Jurgilas and his wife, Susan, of Harpswell; four grandchildren, Lara (Gill) Crandall, Tracey (Gill) McLennen, Sasha Jurgilas-Foster and Ian Jurgilas; and three great-grandchildren, Noah, Holley and Leo.

Jurgilas’ family extends thanks to the staff of Horizons Living and Rehab Center for their professional and compassionate care during a very difficult time.

A graveside service will be held at a later date.

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