Francis Joseph "Pastor Frank" Tamilio Jr.

Francis Tamilio ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home on Mar. 16, 2026.FRANCIS "FRANK" J. TAMILIO, JR., also known as "Pastor Frank" of Burlington, formerly of Woburn, , at eighty eight years of age, Saturday, March 14th, 2026. Beloved husband of the late Ellen (Amari) Tamilio. Devoted father of Francis J. Tamilio of Groton, Judith "Judy" A. Mabardy, her husband Emile of Burlington, Mark S. Tamilio, his wife Julie A. of Woburn, Rachel M. Tamilio of Burlington and Timothy J. Tamilio, his wife Jennifer of VA. Dear brother of James G. Tamilio of Reading and the late Anthony Tamilio and Teresa Pina. Treasured grandfather of Gianna R. and Isaiah J. Tamilio. A Funeral will be held in Mt. Hope Church, 3 McGinnis Drive, Burlington, Thursday, March 19th at 11 a.m.(live stream on mounthope.org). Interment in Woodbrook Cemetery. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to Calling hours, PRIOR to the Service from 10 – 11 a.m. in the Church. Late Chaplain of Concord State Prison and nightly radio host-Chaplain on WEZE.Frank J. Tamilio, JrBorn on May 31, 1937, Francis Joseph, Jr (later known as Frank Joseph Jr.), was second son to Francis Joseph Tamilio, Sr., and Josephine Tamilio.Frank and his three siblings, Anthony, Teresa, and James were raised in the town of Woburn, by their Italian American hard working parents in the depression era.Frank's first employment experience as a young adult, was to work at a family owned cigar and smoke shop in downtown Woburn.One of Frank's passions even as a young man, was radio. He had a dream of being on radio.As a young adult he met his late wife, Ellen, but before they could be together, he served in the US Army infantry and the US National Guard Reserves.Following his military career, he worked full time at McClean Trucking.Ellen, a-stay-at-home mother, was chronically ill. Frank often worked 2, and sometimes 3 jobs at a time, to support his young and growing family. At least once he worked part time at a radio station.A pivotal moment in Frank and Ellen's life came when they decided to put their faith in God and begin sharing that transformative message of love with other people.What began as facilitating small home Bible studies at the dining room table, turned into the planting and shepherding of churches all over the area.Feeling the call to follow God, Frank left his promising career in logistics for the unknown of ministry.Ultimately, he took full time employment as a Chaplain for Concord State Maximum Security Prison. For twelve years he ministered to hardened criminals behind bars. Many men had their lives transformed by the message that Frank was faithful to carry to them everyday. Frank often said that some of his best friends were criminals. He did not think of himself as superior to any of them, rather as one of them.While serving as Chaplain, he also made his dream about being on radio come true. Teaming up with a late friend and radio producer, Pastor Tim Horton, the pair began a radio program that is beloved to this day, called Selah.Affectionately called "Pastor Frank" and known for his calming, reassuring tone that told audiences everywhere that they were deeply loved and treasured by God.Together, Frank and Ellen served in radio ministry, counseling and church leadership for 40 years.Other than the time he spent in ministry, Frank's favorite activities and memories include family vacations in the summer, impromptu cookouts, and family and friends gatherings.Loving and loyal to the end, Frank was fiercely passionate about protecting and providing for his family.In November 2016 Frank lost his beloved wife of fifty six years after a devastating illness. Holding her hand as her soul took flight, he heard her say, "You were my hero."Before Frank's condition limited him to the indoors, he enjoyed spending time at local farms and shops around New England with his second daughter, Rachel, taking walks with his eldest daughter, Judy, and having cookouts over his eldest son, Frank's.He always treasured having heart- to-heart talks with his sons, Mark and Timothy, and of course, he loved enjoying coffee and lunch, with his closest friends.In their fifty six years together, Frank and Ellen had five children:Francis Joseph III, Judith (Judy) Ann, [husband, Emile Mabardy], Mark Stephen, [wife, Julie], Rachel Marie and Timothy James, [wife: Jennifer] Granddaughter, Gianna Rose, Grandson, Isaiah James.A Funeral will be held in Mt. Hope Church, 3 McGinnis Drive, Burlington, Thursday, March 19th at 11 a.m.(live stream on mounthope.org). Interment in Woodbrook Cemetery, Woburn. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to Calling hours, PRIOR to the Service from 10 – 11 a.m. in the Church. Late Chaplain of Concord State Prison and nightly radio host-Chaplain on WEZE.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.