EAST MONTPELIER: Franklin C. Jillson, 89 of Barre and E. Montpelier, VT passed away peacefully at Berlin Health and Rehab on Monday, August 1, 2011. Franklin (Frank) was born March 27, 1922 in Otisfield, Maine. He was the son of George and Ester Scott Jillson. Frank married Evangeline Wheeler Bolio on April 7, 2000. They resided at Sandy Pines in E. Montpelier. Frank had 1 step daughter from a previous marriage. Bobby, her husband Peter and family were always fondly on Frank's mind. Frank also had 4 step children from his marriage to Evangeline. Vangene Bolio, Savanna, IL, Brenda Metivier, Waterbury, VT, John Bolio, Barre, VT and Daniel Bolio, Stowe, VT. Frank also had multiple cousins, nieces, and nephews, step grandchildren, great grandchildren and great, great grandchildren who will miss him terribly. He was pre-deceased by his parents, 2 brothers and a sister. Frank graduated from Bridgeton Academy on June 9, 1941 and enlisted in the Army on May 29, 1942. Frank proudly served the Army in Germany on the 735 Tank Battalion. He was discharged December 30, 1945. Frank earned a BA from Goddard College on September 27, 1954. Frank retired from the State of Vermont after 30 years of service in 1987. At that time he held the position of Assistant Manager of the Barre Liquor Store. Frank was an avid sports fanatic. The Red Socks and Patriots were among his favorites. Frank had a passion for swimming; always challenging himself to the most days swam in a season. His personal record was 120 days. Generally he swam across Marshfield Dam. Frank also enjoyed playing sports and was a member of the Barre Softball League for more than 30 years. He hung up his spikes at the age of 75. Fishing and hunting were also passions. He was very successful with trout and bass. There will be a celebration of Frank's life at the Veteran's Cemetery in Randolph, VT on Monday, August 8, 2011 at 1 p.m. This will be followed by a gathering at a local restaurant.