Obituary of Frank W. Mounts

Frank W. Mounts, age 83, passed away at his home of 43 years in Colts Neck, after an extended illness, on April 1, 2009. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 61 years, Laura T. Mounts, three daughters: Rebecca A. Hambleton of Millville, Darlene S. Feldman, and her husband, Barry of Colts Neck, and Laura C. Bonavita and her husband, August, of Jupiter, FL. He is also survived by his grandson Christopher R Hambleton and granddaughter, Julia R. Bonavita and his sister, Ruth Mitchell and her husband Vetal of Palmyra. He was predeceased by his son, Frank V. Mounts, and sister, Winifred Gilmore. Frank was born in Middletown, Ohio, the son of Wilfred and Cecilia Mounts. He spent most of his young life in Kings Mills, Ohio. As a young man he enlisted in the Air Force where he became a Sergeant and Radar Instructor. He then worked for Western Electric where he was stationed on the Distant Early Warning Line Project “DEW Line”, an air defense early warning system in the Artic Circle. He later attended the University of Cincinnati where he received his Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering. Frank worked for AT&T Bell Laboratories where he spent most of his 30+ year career as a Scientist in the Research and Development Division. He held a number of patents and made significant contributions to the early development of the first picturephone and digital television. Frank served his community by becoming a member of the Colts Neck Volunteer Fire Co. #2 where he rose to the rank of Chief. Frank enjoyed woodworking, gardening, and collecting antiques. In his retired years he became an avid Genealogist and enjoyed seeing his lifelong project of restoring his 1925 Model T Ford come true. Frank Mounts was a man of great strength and determination, high intellect and strong moral character. He was logical and precise in all he did and had a great sense of humor. His passing will be a great loss to all who knew and loved him. A memorial service will be held at Higgins Memorial Home, 20 Center Street, Freehold on April 25 at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to either the Colts Neck First Aid Squad C/O Frank Delledonne, President, PO Box 21, Colts Neck, NJ 07722 or Colts Neck Volunteer Fire Co. #2, C/O Captain Richard Galinski, 124 Cedar Drive, Colts Neck, NJ 07722.