Frank Joseph DuBois, 86, of Southern Pines, died Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009, at his residence.

He was born June 4, 1923, in Newburgh, N.Y., to the late Valdemar DuBois and Marion Doulin. He served in the U. Navy for nine years, serving four of those years in World War II on naval destroyers. He attended college in Salinas, Calif., and worked as a police officer in Pacific Grove. He later became the field executive in the Eastern District of Los Angeles with the Boy Scouts of America, where he met his wife Laurie. He then moved east to New York, working as an insurance investigator, did trial preparation and was a lawsuit supervisor. Taking early retirement, he spent the next 10 years as a private investigator for insurance companies and law firms. Retiring to Southern Pines 20 years ago, he loved the Sandhills area. Mr. DuBois received his pilot's license as a young man and had a great love and passion for flying small aircraft. He loved the ocean, was an avid animal lover and shared a love of classical music and the opera with his wife.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Laurie; three daughters, Sue Kozlowski, of Falls Village, Conn., Sharie Schwaikert, of Salisbury, Conn., and Jessica Toscano, of Drums, Pa.; five grandchildren, Tasha Richardson, Joshua Smith, Leah Schwaikert, Hayley Kozlowski and Lauren Toscano. He was predeceased by his daughter, Kate.

A memorial service will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.

Memorial contributions may be made to Animal Advocates of Moore County, P.O. Box 3399, Pinehurst, NC 28370 or Given Memorial Library, P.O. Box 159, Pinehurst, NC 28370. Online condolences may be made to www.bolesfuneralhome.com.

Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines is assisting the family.