"Dear Sheila and Family, My Deepest! Sympathy to you all in the loss of such a special person in your lives. Frank was such a kind man and always had that smile!! May he rest in peace. And the peace of the Lord be with you all. Betsy"
In loving memory of
Werner Franz Item
November 16, 1933 - January 8, 2021
Werner Franz "Frank" Item, 87, of Portsmouth, Rhode Island, passed away on January 8, 2021, at home surrounded by his loving family.
Werner was born, November 16, 1933, in Chur, Switzerland to Anton Item and Marie (Bergunthal) Item.
Frank was married to his loving wife Sheila, for 52 years.
Frank worked at Raytheon, Portsmouth, RI for 38 ½ years in Program Management. He received his bachelor's degree from St. Lawrence University. He attended Boston University School of Management. He was an early President of the Newport Ski Club and helped build the interior of the new lodge at Okemo Mtn. in Vermont. He helped generations of people enjoy skiing. He loved teaching his 4 children and any children or adults who wanted to "ski like Frank". Sailing was a lifelong passion. Frank bought 3 new boats, built 4 sailboats, and renovated 10 other sailboats. Three of those were trawlers. Over the years, Erik, Tina, Mark, Erin, and Sheila learned many lifelong skills working together getting the various boats ready for the water. Fifteen years of happy times and memories when Frank coached all 4 kids' soccer teams and helped with Boy Scouts.
Frank is survived by his wife Sheila, and their children; Erik Franz Item and his wife Catie, of Osterville, Mass., Kristina Castell and her husband Kelley, of North Palm Beach, FL, Mark Anton Item, of Portsmouth, and Erin Knight and her husband Bill of Portsmouth. He is also survived by his loving grandchildren; Anna, Ava, and Jenna Item, and Jonathan and Ashley Castell, and Billy Franz Knight.
Fair winds and following seas to a kind, gentle, and wonderful man. We love you, Frank.
A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday January 13, 2021 in St. Anthony's Church in Portsmouth.
Due to restrictions in place by the RI Depatment of Health, all services and burial are private.
The Funeral will be Live-Stream broadcasted on Wednesday January 13, at 10:00 am. To watch the live stream, follow this http://link.memorial/WernerItem
In lieu of flowers please donate in Frank's name to one of your favorite charities or one of Frank & Sheila's, the DAV (Disabled American Vets), Wounded Warrior Project, Mercy Ships, or the Portsmouth Fire Dept.
A celebration of Life will be held at a later date, once restrictions are lifted.
Tributes
"SHEILA, ON BEHALF OF THE ENTIRE FIFTH WARD, CONDOLENCES ON THE DEATH OF FRANK. MAY GOD HOLD HIM AND ALL THE FAMILY IN THE HALLOW OF HIS HAND."
"Sincere condolences to Sheila and family at this sad time. I know you have many loving memories that will somehow have to suffice in the days ahead. Thinking of you all. Sincerely, Rosemary Davidson "
"My sincere condolences to your family, you were all wonderful neighbors and I enjoyed my conversations with Frank over the years, while we were out in the yards. May peace be with you, knowing he is no longer suffering. Brenda Eline"
"Dear Sheila, So sorry to hear of Frank's passing. I will always remember the skiing and the sailing stories. What a great life he had with you and your family. Love, Marty Proulx"
"Dearest Sheila & Family, We were so sorry to hear of Frank's passing. Spent so many years at Raytheon with him. He was a good man, a gentleman, and a pleasure to work with. I also had the pleasure to work with Erik and Erin. Our deepest sympathies, love and prayers for each of you. Love, Judi & Clark Tanner"
"Oh Sheila, we are sad to hear this news. so many great memories through the years of sailing, skiing ,and parties. Will never forget Trick or Treating Frank before we were married! The first time 2 Newport girls drove to Okemo for our first ski weekend with NSC. Thinking of you and your family today, we will watch the Mass on Zoom. Love and Prayers, Carolyn and Gene"
"The Item Clan, Uncle Frank was my cool Uncle. We would go up there for our family's big summer vacations and take over his house. Going out on the boat, walking the beaches and picking mussels to cook with dinner, hiking ALL the way down to the little beach and playing for hours, stopping at the General Store and getting to buy candy, dropping the outboard motor off the whaler...., working with him on whatever project he would let me. Then he met Aunt Shelia and added all the Item kids to the mix - whenever we were all together what a great time. As kids and even now I really look forward the our family reunions. I have a lifetime of memories I will treasure of Uncle Frank and our family. My Tat and Tatta, my Mom and Uncle Frank are a big part of who I am. Thank you Uncle Frank for being part of this wonderful life I get to live. Love you, Paul"
"Sheila & Family, Frank was always be remembered as a great guy, fun loving, and with a good sense of humor. We shared common interests in sailing and skiing. I am most appreciative for his dedication to the Newport Ski Club, where he served tirelessly. My thoughts are with you and your family."
"Diane and Joe Mueller We are truly sorry to learn of Frank's passing. He was an exceptional person in so many ways. He had a wide range of talents...from building things like houses and boats to being a very accomplished skier and sailor. He was always ready to help and his calm manner was reassuring. It will be difficult for your family to get used to the idea of not having him there. Your main comfort will be all the many wonderful memories you have accumulated over the years. That will help him live on in your hearts. Our deepest condolences to you all."
"Dear Sheila and family. UGH! I'm so sorry. Peace, Len DeAngelis"
"Mrs. Item, Tina, Erik, Mark, Erin and family, I am so saddened to hear Mr. Item passed. I will always remember the adventures he took us on back in the days from boat rides to skiing. The stripped van with the stripe was the most fun vehicle to ride in! The epic Christmas Cookie Parties were always a hit. He was a kind, gentle giant. It was a pleasure to be included in his 50th anniversary celebration where I enjoyed hearing about the proposal. There are no words that can ease your pain or erase the sadness in your hearts; but, if loving memories can help, I know you have gazillions. You are all in my prayers during this impossible time. Big Hugs and love, Kim "
"I knew Frank from Raytheon, he was such a kind gentle soul. Condolences to all his family. He was such a nice person."
"We are so sad to hear of Frank?s passing. He was such a nice person. I have such nice memories of him doing things with James, like building a log cabin. He was always busy with a new project. He will be missed."
"Oh Sheila, I am so sad to hear that Frank passed away. He was such a wonderful man and supported the Newport Ski Club in so many ways. He was always at our meetings and provided the Anchor boat for the annual puff and putt even when he wasn?t feeling well. I can still hear his commands and your help when Sid and I would raft up to your boat. My deepest condolences to you and your family. May Fair Winds and Following Seas be with you Frank! "
"So sad to hear of Frank's passing, a great guy we had thought would always be there. I fondly remember the ski exercises, and the many years at the club, and we could always depend on Frank to be there for the Puff and Putt, even when he was not feeling well, though I am sure that out on the sea he was always feeling quite well. Anyway, fair winds and following seas, Frank, and my sincerest condolences to Sheila and the family."
"Lee and I send our condolences to Sheila and family. Frank and Sheila always supported the Ski Club activities and provided its members with memories they can treasure for life."
"We are all saddened by Frank's death and send his family and friends our deepest condolences. We wish you all strength to carry you through the next days and months without him. He was one of the very best! "
"My deepest sympathy Sheila and family at this time of loss. Frank will be fondly remembered and he will be missed. Peace and comfort to you all at this difficult time."
"Sheila, Eric, Tina, Mark and Erin, We are so sad to hear of Franks passing. He was such a wonderful man, always with a great smile and a friendly hello. He was such a wondeful part of our CFP community and will be greatry missed by many. May you hold close to your hearts all your happy memories! David and Pat Camara "
"meant to leave maiden name also maureen gallagher dever"
"oh sheila...such a sad day...we go waaaay back...so many memories .. turn to them for comfort...i will be at the mass by zoom...it was wonderful to be together at peter's memorial.. love and peace to all the item family..."