Franklin Goodale Torr ... former state legislator; at 93

ROCHESTER - Franklin Goodale Torr, 93, died peacefully, surrounded by his admiring family, on August 3, 2023. Born on April 16, 1930, in Rochester, Frank was the first-born son of Franklin George and Bernice Edna (Goodale) Torr.

Raised alongside his three brothers on the family farm on Chestnut Hill Road, Frank developed a profound love for the land and its nurturing spirit. He graduated from Spaulding High School in 1948 and later attended Nasson College before proudly serving in the Air Force from 1950 to 1954.

Following his military service, Frank embarked on an entrepreneurial journey with his brother Ralph, co-developing the Polly-Ann Mobile Home Park on Dover Point Road, named in honor of their loving and supportive wives, Ann and Pauline.

Known and remembered for his infectious smile, Frank was a devoted citizen, dedicating his time and expertise to various organizations and committees, including the Pease Development Authority, Skyhaven Airport Authority, the New Hampshire Ballot Law Commission, the Selective Service Board, the Manufactured Homes Association, and many more.

His service extended to the City of Dover and the State of New Hampshire, contributing and serving on the Strafford Regional Planning Commission, Dover Personnel Advisory Board, Cocheco Waterfront Development Advisory Committee, the Dover Utilities Commission, Councilor-at-Large on the Dover City Council from 1984-1987, and twenty-five years on the Dover Planning Board from 1998 to 2023.

Frank was elected and served 18 ears in the New Hampshire House of Representatives and State Senate. He served on many of the Budget, Appropriations, and Fiscal Committees of the House and Senate. Frank tackled each role with fervor, thoughtfulness, and thoroughness, providing exceptional leadership.

Frank's passion for environmental advocacy, property rights, responsible growth, and fiscal responsibility earned him recognition and awards. The New Hampshire Planners Association recognized Frank's contributions honoring him with the Citizen Planner of the Year for 2020. Mayor Robert Carrier, on behalf of the Dover City Council, honored him with the "Key to the City," proclaiming Frank's "tireless efforts have consistently aimed to protect property rights, promote responsible growth, and set an exemplary standard for professional conduct, courtesy, and respect."

Humble, selfless, and inspiring, Frank touched the lives of countless individuals, supporting local and statewide causes and encouraging everyone he met to pursue their dreams and aspirations. We all have benefited from his kindness, knowledge, and character. His contributions reached far beyond official capacities.

Frank was an environmentalist long before anyone really paid attention to such things.

He was a proud New Hampshire Farm Bureau member and New Hampshire Timber Owners Association member.

Aside from his professional accomplishments, Frank's family was the heart of his life.

His loving wife, Ann M. Torr, shared 63 years of cherished memories before her passing, leaving behind a legacy of love and devotion.

Left to cherish his memory are his adoring children, Thomas F. Torr and his wife, Lisa B. Torr, of Lee, Lawrence L. Torr and his wife, Christine M. Torr, of Madbury, and Patricia T. Aiken and her husband, Christopher J. Aiken, of Rochester; grandchildren, Tyler H. Torr and his wife, Natasha L. Torr, Michael F. Torr, Christian M. Torr, Catherine A. Torr, and Caleb Torr Aiken; great-grandchildren, Hunter E. Torr, Lila A. Torr, and Ivy I. Torr.

Frank is survived by brothers Ralph W. Torr and Nathan J. Torr (Lydia), brothers-in-law George W. Bergeron (Lorraine), Lin P. Bergeron (Karen), Alan A. Bergeron (Patricia), and Leo E. Bergeron (Jacqueline), sisters-in-law Lynne M. Cummisky, Deborah F. Bergeron, and Mary G. Braiterman, and many nieces, and nephews.

Along with his parents, Frank is preceded in death by his brother, David G. Torr, brothers-in-law Joseph E. Couture, Louis E. Bergeron, Richard R. Bergeron, Guy L. Bergeron, and Marc B. Bergeron, and sisters-in-law Joan B. Couture, Marcia L. Bergeron, Nancy Hebert, Florrie Bergeron, Janice I. Torr, and Pauline C. Torr.