Earl Frawley, Jr.

Frawley, Earl T. Jr., 81, of Smithfield, died Thursday at Home & Hospice Care of Rhode Island's Philip Hulitar Inpatient Center after a brief illness. He was the beloved husband of Yoshiko Frawley for 58 years. Born in Providence, a son of the late Earl T. and Doris E. (Uttley) Frawley, he lived in Smithfield for 55 years.

Prior to retiring, Mr. Frawley was a part-time Smithfield police officer and a U.S. Postal Service worker. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving in World War II, and a veteran of the U.S. Army serving in the Korean War, where he received the Purple Heart.

He was a 50-year member and honorary Past Master of Roger Williams Lodge No. 32, F&AM, having served as secretary for more than 20 years. He also held affiliate memberships in St. John's Lodge No.1 Providence and Overseas Lodge No. 40. As a York Rite Mason he held memberships in Providence Chapter and Council No.1 and St. John's Commandery No. 1 Providence. He was a member of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite Valley of Providence and was the recipient of the MSA award. In Grand Lodge he was the transportation chairman, and received the Grand Lodge Meritorious Service Award in 1999 and his 50-year Veterans Medal in March of 2008. Additional memberships include the Rhode Island Shriners, Masonic Vets, Masonic Secretaries Guild and Swords of Bunker Hill, Gaspee Order No. 99.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a brother, Robert L. Frawley, and a sister, Frances Graichen, both in New Hampshire and many nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late William E. Frawley.

His funeral service will be held Monday at 11 am in the Robbins Funeral Home, 2251 Mineral Spring Ave., Centredale. Burial with Military Honors will follow at the Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery, Exeter. Calling hours will be Sunday 4-7 pm, with a Masonic Service at 6 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be sent to a charity of your choice.