“Popular and Well-Loved” Frager’s Employee Killed Monday Night

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Frank Winchester, photographed in 2020. Courtesy: Frager's/Ace

The Hill was shocked and saddened to learn of the death of 40-year-old Frank Winchester late Monday night.

Winchester was a popular and well-loved employee of Frager’s Hardware, where he worked as a driver. He particularly enjoyed interacting with customers.

“I truly love when good customers ask for me by name or for assistance –and their dogs love me too!” Winchester told the Hill Rag on the store’s 100th anniversary. He celebrated 12 years with the company earlier this year.
Winchester was killed on the night of Memorial Day. Police were called to a home on the 1400 block of L Street SE just before 10 p.m. May 31. They found Winchester inside, suffering from gunshot wounds. He was transferred to hospital where he died.

Winchester leaves behind his partner, Shamara Baylor and a young son, Cartier.

Frager’s Hardware has established a memorial fund for the family. You can contribute to the Frank Winchester Memorial Fund online at acehardwaredc.com/products/frank-winchester-memorial-fund.

Frager’s Hardware manager Aisha Bryant said that Winchester was a genuinely nice and giving man. “I was told a story about Frank being offered lunch by another employee one day after they heard Frank didn’t have enough money for lunch that day,” she recounted. “As Frank and the employee walked down to Mangialardo’s, they were approached by a homeless man that asked for change to spare for food. Frank immediately reached in his pocket and pulled out lint, a couple of coins and a dollar and gave it to the man.”

“That is just how Frank was,” Bryant said. “He would help anyone in need. Frank was the first to clean up any mess and was known by all of the Frager’s customers. Frank will be truly missed.”

Frager’s spokesperson Courtney Belew said Winchester’s death is a huge loss for the team, most of whom are still shocked by the news. Management is trying to give the staff some space as they process and grieve.

“The Frager’s team and A Few Cool Hardware Stores family are deeply saddened by the loss of our colleague Frank Winchester, beloved father, son, brother, and Frager’s Hardware employee of more than 12 years,” said Belew.

Contribute to the Frank Winchester Memorial Fund here.