MIDDLEBURY- Francis Arthur Frank Pelkey, 68, a longtime resident of Middlebury, died Wednesday, March 17, 2010 at Helen Porter Healthcare and Rehabilitation after a long courageous battle with multiple sclerosis. Born in Rutland October 14, 1941, he was the son of the late Arthur Francis and Caroline M. (Mills) Pelkey. Frank was a graduate of Pittsford Barstow High School. Upon graduation from high school, he entered the United States Air Force where he honorably served for four years as a communication specialist. Frank retired after 27 years service with New England Telephone Company where he worked as a communication technician.. He was an avid ham radio operator and was a history buff. One of his greatest joys was his trip to Ireland in 1984. He volunteered with Weybridge and Middlebury Fire Departments. Frank married Katherine Ashford in January of 1970 and together they had three children. In October of 1984 Frank married Rita (Stone) Jewell. Surviving family members include his wife Rita of Middlebury; three daughters, Kelly L. Bergmans and her husband Bill of Ferrisburgh, Karen M, Pelkey of Forestdale, and Dawn E. MacIntire and her husband Bruce of Vergennes; two sons, Arthur Francis Art Pelkey of Bristol and Skye S. Stone and his wife Dianna of Ensenada, Mexico and California; three sisters, Rosemary Russin ,Alice Jean Pelkey and Joann Eugair, all of Florence; 11 grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, his brother, Ronald Pelkey and his beloved German Shephard, Diesel. Calling hours will be Saturday, March 20, 2010, from 9-11 AM at Sanderson-Ducharme Funeral Home, 117 S. Main St. Middlebury. The funeral service will be conducted in the funeral home at 11 AM with the Rev. Brian ODonnell, Parochial Vicar, St. Marys Church, officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, New Haven. The family suggests that memorial donations be made to National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 75 Talcott Rd., Williston, VT 05495. The online guestbook may be signed at www.sandersonfuneralservice.com. . .