David F. Francis, Sr., 58, was stricken and died at home on Monday, July 25, 2005. He was the husband of Elizabeth M. (Fales) Francis and worked as a quality control tester at Raytheon Co. in Andover for 25 years.
Mr. Francis was born in Milford, a son of Harold F. and Dorothy M. (Wellman) Francis of Upton. He was a member of the Nipmuc Regional High School Class of 1964 and a graduate of the Stockbridge School of Agriculture at the University of Massachusetts. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam with the U. S. Army and was a lifelong resident of Upton.
An avid fisherman, he owned Wildwood Sports in Upton and was a member of the Nipmuc Bass Busters. He started the "Upton Take a Kid Fishing" program, which later became the Upton Police Department's Annual Fishing Derby and continues today. He was also a member and past commander of the George L. Wood VFW Post, coached Little League baseball in Upton for many years, and had been a participant in Upton men's softball and bowling leagues.
In addition to his wife of 34 years and his parents; he leaves two sons, David F. Francis, Jr. and his fiancee Katherine Skinner of Haverhill and Michael C. Francis and his wife Melissa Rej-Francis of Auburn; a sister, Mary Hurlburt and her husband Ken of Upton; and one brother, Harold "Petie" Francis and his wife Jeanne of Douglas.
If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Upton Police Department Fishing Derby, 30 School St., Upton 01568 or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Service Details
Calling hours Thursday, July 28 from 5 to 8 p.m.
Funeral service in the funeral home on Friday, July 29 at 10 a.m.