Francis J. Coombes, Jr., of Melrose, died at the Chelsea Soldier's Home in Chelsea on July 30, 2014 at the age of 85. Frank was born in Dorchester, raised in Malden and attended Malden High School. After high school, he served his country in the U.S. Navy during WWII on the USS Duluth and the USS Mindoro. Frank worked for the D.P.W for the City of Malden, also as a Manager for the Malden Bowladrome for many years and resided in Malden & Melrose for most of his life. Frank was a life Member and very active at the Harold O' Young V.F.W. Post #2394 in Melrose. He was well respected by his peers and will be missed by many of his associates & friends. During his distinguished career, Frank was elected and moved through the chairs on a number of occasions at various times, during four different years, filling the position of the Post Commander. At each time he fulfilled these elected positions, his service to the Melrose Post and the Veterans of Foreign Wars was noteworthy. Frank was nominated and elected to the positions formulating his position of Middlesex District 18 Commander, which incorporated the many VFW Posts located in the Middlesex County. By the selection of the State VFW Commander a number of years ago, Frank was appointed to the distinguished appointment of State Sgt. of Arms. Frank enjoyed bowling and was a member of the bowling league for many years. He was the former husband of Margaret DeMattia and Marjorie Grant of Haverhill. Father of Edward Alan Coombes & his wife Esther of FL, Karen D. Coombes of Revere and the late Christina L. Verge & her late husband William. Grandfather of Sara, Kelly, Nathan, Natale and Fay. Brother of John, Edward, Leonard and the late Elizabeth, Robert & Richard Also survived by 3 great grandchildren and many nieces & nephews. Visitation will be held at the Gately Funeral Home 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Monday, Aug 4th from 8:00-8:45AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Mary's Church, Herbert St., Melrose at 9AM. Relatives & friends respectfully invited to attend. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Quigley Activity Fund, 91 Crest Ave., Chelsea, MA 02150.