Frank V. Tarkington, W3KLQ SK FRANK VICTOR TARKINGTON (Age 102) Of Silver Spring, MD, died at his home on April 19, 2018. Frank was born in Oakland, California, March 24, 1916 and was orphaned at an early age. He married Eileen Coan in 1940 and they recently celebrated their 77th anniversary. Frank is the beloved father of Frank Victor Tarkington (Sylvia), Steven Alan Tarkington (Martha), Robert Lee Tarkington (Jacqueline) and Daniel Kevin Tarkington (Mary Kathleen). He was preceded in death by a beloved grandson and is survived by seven other grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Frank joined the United States Navy in 1940 and served five years. While on the island of Tinian, he witnessed the arming of the Enola Gay. Frank was advanced in rate to Chief Radioman until the war was over. His service in the Navy was a springboard for a long career with Radio Corporation of America (RCA). Frank installed the first television in the White House so that President Truman could witness the opening of Congress in January 1948. After retirement, Frank became an active volunteer for Montgomery County Consumer Affairs where he served for 19 years. Frank, an avid ham radio operator, loved his family and friends dearly and always had a great joke or story to tell. Interment at Arlington National Cemetery will occur at a later date and plans for a celebration of Frank's life will be forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Frank's memory to: Montgomery Hospice, 1355 Piccard Drive, Suite 100, Rockville, MD 20850. www.CollinsFuneralHome.com Francis J. Collins Funeral Home, Inc. 500 University Blvd. West Silver Spring, MD 20901 301-593-9500 Published in The Washington Post on Apr. 21, 2018 http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/wa...px?fhid=6151&n=frank-tarkington&pid=188800988
