Francis David Courtney, II, "Frank", passed away on December 13, 2020.

Born July 23, 1945 to Francis and Anne (Sturgis) in Washington, DC, his youth was spent on the Chesapeake Bay and firmly ingrained his lifelong love of the water and "simply messing about in boats." He was a graduate of High Point High School and Upper Iowa University.

Frank enlisted in the Navy and rose to the rank of Master Chief, earning his Dolphins and serving aboard submarines including Greenling, Halibut and Sea Wolf. During his naval career as a cryptologist, he was one of the first assigned to work for NSA facilitating communications between HQ and the field in the pre-internet era. He was also involved in the infamous underwater cable tapping operation that took place during the Cold War and is detailed in the book Blind Man's Bluff.

While in the service, Frank created and ran a soccer league on base in Rota, Spain, for both base and local children; the effort earned him recognition for furthering international relations. During his military service, Frank received commendations and medals including meritorious service, joint service commendations, Navy and unit commendation medals, a battle "E" ribbon, and expeditionary medals as well as the national defense service medal.

After retiring from the Navy in 1985, Frank resided in Severna Park and Annapolis, Maryland as well as Moncks Corner and Summerville, South Carolina. His work as a civilian for the defense contractor industry in program management roles would take him to the Charleston, SC area in 1998. Notably, he worked on the Y2K preparation for the Coast Guard. He retired from industry as a Regional Director for a defense contractor in 2016, and ultimately returned home to his beloved Chesapeake Bay in 2019, settling in St Michaels MD.

Frank and his wife Christine met in Annapolis and were married August 20, 1999. They enjoyed many trips together including Alaska, Hawaii, Italy, Spain, Grand Cayman and she even got him to go to New York City and admit that he loved it!

In addition to his family, Frank's other loves included boats and fishing. He captained charters for years in addition to fishing many tournaments with his close group of friends, the Jack Tar Fishing Team. He was a lover of golf and famous for his homemade Bloody Marys on the course. Labrador Retrievers played a big part in his life, he and Chris adopted a wonderful lab named Chief recently who has been a source of great joy. He was also an avid genealogist and loved sharing his skill while doing research for others.

Frank was a past president of the Fleet Reserve Club, Annapolis; a member of the Miles River Yacht Club, the Masonic Lodge and the NCVA (National Cryptologic Veterans Association).

Frank spent the last 15 years battling various medical issues and winning. In the end, he simply ran out of ammunition, and succumbed to a blood infection with his wife at his bedside.

Frank is survived by his wife, Christine Courtney, of St. Michaels; his son, Francis D. Courtney, III, "Todd", (Holly), of Severna Park; his daughter, Heather Courtney, of St. Michaels; his daughter, Adrienne Bishop, of Houston, TX; his step-daughter, Bianca Curti Sell, of Arnold, and seven grandchildren.

The inurnment will take place at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to the Disabled American Veterans at the following link: https://secure.dav.org/site/Donation2;jsessionid=00000000.app30133a?df_id=18815&mfc_pref=T&18815.donation=form1&NONCE_TOKEN=A215EFAF9E03962D4AA55268E71B7A0F

Or to Hillsdale College "Pursuing Truth, Defending Liberty" https://secured.hillsdale.edu/