Francis E. "Frank" Uhlhorn III, a retired Baltimore firefighter whose career spanned nearly four decades, died of cancer Oct. 10 at his Catonsville home. He was 65.

Born in Baltimore and raised on Carrollton Avenue, Mr. Uhlhorn was a 1960 graduate of Edmondson High School.

He followed his father and an uncle when he joined the Baltimore City Fire Department in 1970. He spent most of his career as a firefighter and lieutenant and was longtime captain of No. 8 Truck on Frederick Avenue. He retired last year.

At Christmas, Mr. Uhlhorn organized and led a convoy of fire trucks and firefighters that delivered food and gifts to needy families who lived near the firehouse.

He also was active in Fire Prevention Month activities and had played on the Fire Department softball team.

Mr. Uhlhorn was a member of the Baltimore Fire Officers Association and the International Association of Fire Fighters, where he had served as trustee and vice president of Local 964.

He also was a delegate to numerous state and international firefighters conventions and was an advocate for improved equipment and safer working conditions, family members said.

Services were held Oct. 13.

Surviving are his wife of 45 years, the former Angela Irene Holt; a son, Timothy Uhlhorn of Arbutus; three daughters, Teresa D'Anna of Catonsville, Christine Uhlorn-List of Joppa, and Heather Merson of Elkridge; his father, Francis E. "Frank" Uhlhorn Jr. of Baltimore; three sisters, Linda Curlett of Catonsville, Jeanie Deamer of Ellicott City and Peggy Finley of St. James City, Fla.; eight grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter. Another son, Francis E. Uhlhorn IV, died in 1963.