Francis L. "Frank" LaPlante, Jr., of Saugus, died at the Melrose Wakefield Hospital on Oct. 3, 2018 at 80 years of age. Frank was born in Charlestown, raised in Melrose and a graduate of Malden Catholic High School, Class of 1955. He went on to attend Merrimack College and resided in Melrose until age 30 and the past 54 years in Saugus. Frank worked as an Electronic Technician for the Boston Naval Shipyard for 30 years and Marine Systems in South Boston for 5 years before his retirement in 1992. Mr. LaPlante was the youngest leading man in the sonar department for the naval shipyard and traveled all over the country and also to Guam, Iran, Spain, Italy and Asia. He was an avid Patriots fan and season ticket holder for many years and was on the shipyard bowling team. Frank loved to play golf at Green Meadow Golf Club in Hudson, NH and was the catcher for the shipyard softball team. Frank was the beloved husband of Marie G. (Lowry) LaPlante for 54 years. Caring brother of Carol A. Engels & her husband Garrett of Melrose. Devoted uncle of Catherine O'Brien & her husband Michael of Melrose and Lisa Champney & her husband Matt of CT. Brother in law of Margaret A. O'Neill of NH. Visiting hours will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Tuesday, Oct. 9th from 9-11 AM, followed by a Funeral Service at 11AM. Relatives & friends respectfully invited to attend. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.