PALMER - Frank G. Real, Jr., 75, died Sunday, December 29, 2012 surrounded by his family. He was born in Chicago, Ill to the late Jeannette V. (Fla-herty) and Francis G. Real, Sr., was a graduate of Sacred Heart High School in Holyoke and studied journalism at Stanford University. Frank served his country with the United States Marine Corps from 1956-1959 and during that time was the editor for the Tori Teller Newspaper in Iwe Kuni Japan. He was employed as a journalist/ reporter for the Springfield Republican and was the editor for Turley Publications. Frank was very active with the Marine Corps League in Westfield, the Elks Lodge in West Springfield and often would reunite with Sacred Heart Alumni and former newspaper colleagues. In addition he was very interested in genealogy and ancestry and attended the first Real Family Reunion in August of 2010. Frank is survived by his beloved wife of 28 years Judith H. (Stoddard) Real, his children, Frank G. Real III of Franklin, MA, Kevin Real of Warren, MA, Curtiss Smith and Steven Smith, both of East Granby, CT, Brian Real of W. Brookfield, MA, Margie Plante and her husband Dave of W. Brookfield, MA, Pamela Robak of Saratoga Springs, N.Y., Amanda Leger of E. Longmeadow and Judi Real of Palmer, MA, his two brothers, John F. Real of Charlton, MA and James T. Real Phoenix, AZ, his sister Jeannette Piquette and her husband Henry of Voorisville, N.Y. , brother-in-law William Bourbeau, 15 grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his former spouse Margaret Real, his sister Margaret Bourbeau and his nephew Paul Hackett, Jr. Burial with Military Honors will be held on Monday, January 7, 2013 at 1 PM in the Massachusetts Veteran's Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main St. Agawam, MA 01001. Contributions in Frank's name may be directed to the Marine Corps League, Westfield River Valley Det. 141, 71 N. Elm Street, Westfield, MA 01085-1619. Arrangements are under the direction of the Colonial Forastiere Funeral Home, 985 Main St. Agawam, MA 01001.

Published in The Republican from January 5 to January 6, 2013