Memorial Service For Frank Lema

Detective Frank Lema, 70, of Middletown, passed away at Rhode Island Hospital surrounded by family and friends on September 26, 2013 from injuries sustained while serving in the Line of Duty as a police officer at Naval Station Newport.

He was the son of the late Joseph S. Lema and Lydia Lema (Marshall) and brother to the late Roy Lema and Ronald Lema.  

A longtime resident of Newport, Frank was a 1962 graduate of Rogers High School,  where he participated in the JROTC Program and enjoyed the simplicity of growing up in Newport at the time.  

He enrolled in the US Air Force from 1962-1966 in the duty stations of Pease Air Force Base, NH and Guam, providing security on the flight lines.  Lema began his service to the Middletown Police Department in 1966 and dedicated his career
to serving as a K-9 Officer. His passion for K-9 service was realized through countless hours of training, tracking, street patrol and community outreach.  

Over the years, he had several K-9 partners, including dogs Jake, Nikki, Prince, Shep, Max and Temo. Lema and his K-9 partners received many accolades and commendations for their work throughout Aquidneck Island and beyond.  

He was a member of the US Police Canine Association, participated in their national K-9 trials annually, and held several offices within the organization.  

After serving more than 26 years on the Department, he retired as Captain in 1992. In 1993, Lema brought his many years of law enforcement experience to the Department of Defense Police Department at the Newport Naval Station.  

He was a highly-respected investigator, having successfully completed many specialized courses, certificates and federal investigations. He stood as a figure of wisdom and trust within the agency.  

Throughout his life, he was highly regarded by the law enforcement community, the public and his family as a man of integrity, honesty and respect with an unwavering devotion to duty.

His compassion and fairness was illustrated by the many individuals who proudly considered him a mentor and friend. Lema was highly decorated  and well known for his service to the Police Community, but his proudest moments  came from the joy he experienced through his family.  

He married his soul mate, the late Janice D. Lema (Lewis) in 1965.  They shared 48 years of marriage, unconditional love and never ending friendship. They made their home in Middletown, where they were well known for owning and operating Frank’s Country Store & Deli.

Together, they raised 5 children,  Rebecca Souza of FL, Justin Lema of Cranston, retired Middletown Lieutenant Frank J. Lema, Alison Lema, and Austin Lema all of Middletown.

He leaves 5 grandchildren, each of whom have everlasting memories of friendship, fun and wisdom. Frank Lema survives his sister, Laurene Viverios of Middletown and
brother Joseph Lema of PA., as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.

Lema shared in the brotherhood of the Blue Knights Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club for many years, and the Newport Rifle Club.  He was an avid fisherman, photographer and nature lover.

Most recently, he enjoyed walking Second Beach, where he felt closest to his late wife, who passed away tragically after a motorcycle accident on Father’s Day.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, October 3, 2013 from 4-9 pm in Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport, RI, with a Law Enforcement walk through at 5 pm.

His funeral will be held on Friday, October 4, 2013 at 8:30 am from Memorial Funeral Home with a funeral service at 10 am in St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 324 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI. Entombment will follow in Newport Memorial Park, Middletown, RI.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Detective Captain Frank Lema Memorial Fund, c/o Bank Newport, 528 West Main Road, Middletown, RI 02842.

The obituary was provided by Memorial Funeral Homes.