Francis X. Prior, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2013, at Asbury Solomons in Solomons, MD. He was 92 years old and lived a full, rich life. Born November 7, 1920 in Worcester, MA, he was the oldest son of the late Bernard and Frances Prior.

Frank grew up in Springfield, MA and graduated from Cathedral High School in 1939. He attended the University of Vermont and was president of his class; he graduated in 1944 with a bachelor's degree in Chemistry. After graduating, he joined the US Navy and was stationed in Washington DC. He was then assigned to the US Armed Forces Foreign Language School in Colorado Springs and studied Russian. In 1946, he was stationed at the US Embassy in Moscow where he served as a translator and met his first wife Elizabeth Prior.

Upon completing his tour of duty, he returned to the United States, attended Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, MA, and graduated in 1951 with a bachelor's degree in Food Technology. Frank then joined the Textiles Division of the DuPont Company where he served as a technical service representative. In this position, he traveled throughout South America and Mexico visiting manufacturing facilities and providing technical advice. During this time, Frank, his wife, and three sons lived in Kennett Square, PA. He worked for DuPont until retiring in 1980.

Upon retirement, Frank moved to California, MD where he lived with his second wife, Mary Prior, whom he married in 1980. He and Mary enjoyed playing golf and traveling. Frank also enjoyed studying the stock market, investing, and had an interest in and a facility with foreign languages.

Frank was always kind and cheerful and was a great husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed spending time with his family including his wife, children and grandsons. He always encouraged his sons and grandsons to study hard to make good lives for themselves. His life provided an excellent example for them to follow. His family and friends will miss him greatly and he will always be in their hearts.

Frank is survived by his wife, Mary Prior of Solomons, MD; his son Robert Prior, DMD of Lexington Park, MD; his son Bruce Prior, DMD of North Wales, PA; his son Donald Prior, MD of Belleair Shores, Florida; and his five grandsons, Francis, Robert, Thomas, Jake, and Jack.

He is preceded in death by his first wife Elizabeth Prior, his brothers Philip Prior and William Prior, and his sister Mary Bradshaw.

A Funeral Service will be held graveside at Charles Memorial Gardens in Leonardtown, MD on Monday, February 18, 2013 at 10 am.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.