Also known as "Frankie"
11 June 1922 – 6 October 2025
Also known as "Frankie"
11 June 1922 – 6 October 2025
GRADWELL Frank (Frankie). Service No. 1028045, CPL, R.A.F., WW2
Frank passed away peacefully on 6 October 2025 at Ranburn Resthome, Waipu, aged 103 years.
Dearly loved husband for 60 years of the late Joan.
Loved father and father-in-law of Bryn and Dale, Lee (dec), Sharon and Kevin (dec), Kery (dec), Joanne and Kevin (dec).
Grandchildren Sara, Caleb, Emmett, Daniel, Morgan, Andrea, Stacey, Francine, Joelle, Mariette, Matthew, Tamzen, Zane and Sinead and 16 Great-Grandchildren.
A service to celebrate Frank’s long life was held at Jason Morrison Funerals, 24 Whitaker Road, Warkworth, on Tuesday 14 October at 2:00pm.
The family thank the staff at Ranburn who, for the past 7 years, cared for Frank.
Messages to the family can be emailed to Bryn or, office@jasonmorrison.co.nz or, tributes can be left below.
Funeral service held at Jason Morrison Funerals
Though I only met Frank once, it was clear he was a man of quiet strength and deep wisdom. Living to 103 is a remarkable testament to a life full of resilience, stories and love. I am honoured to have met him, even briefly. His legacy lives on in all who knew and loved him. May he rest in peace and we send our condolences to his loved ones on this day of celebrating his life. From Daniel, Tammy, Oscar and Matilda Gradwell.
Wow Frank .... 103 years, That's not just an incredible age it is epic! Most of us can only imagine and it's such a long time to be wandering around on earth that's for sure. I was 13 when we first met and I have to say you were a little bit scary at the time. You certainly had an interesting way of making your point! But I guessyou thought I was OK, you gave me the nickname Tricky Vicki :-) I'm sure that people today will mention many things about your long life but for me I'd just like to say this ...... I thank you whole-heartedly for bringing Jo into the neighbour that was Whakarewa Street all those years ago. She is the most wonderful person and I value her friendship highly. For everything you did in your life both you and Joan can be well pleased with how she "turned out" You can rest now, god knows you deserve it.... Wow Frank .... 103 years. With love Tricky Vicki
Funeral service held at Jason Morrison Funerals

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