Obituary for Edward T. Francis
FRANCIS, Edward T of Arlington, May 20th, 2023. 96 years old. Born July 26, 1926 to John and Annie (Curran) Francis in East Cambridge.
He is predeceased by his spouse and partner of 58 years, Mary Rose (Linskey).
Loving father of Edward and his wife Amy of Maine, Paul and his wife Yuchong of Maryland, Joan Pike and her husband Matt of South Carolina, Bill and his wife Lynn of Sudbury, Christine of Tewksbury, Anne Mazzola and her husband Jim of Arlington and Kathleen of Arlington.
Devoted grandfather “Papa” to 12 and great-grandfather “Big Papa” to 6.
Brother to John Curran and his wife Elaine of Wilmington.
Predeceased by his brother John Francis, sister Marie Navin and grandson William Pike.
Ed proudly served in the US Navy aboard the USS Osage during WWII from 1944-1946.
He had a practiced expertise across the full spectrum of building trades. A carpenter by trade; he worked many years at Boston Metal Door and then in the Arlington School System. When he and Mary moved their young family to Arlington in the early 1960’s, they boldly purchased a two-decker with lots of potential and needing much TLC. His children cannot recall a time when a major renovation was not underway - earth-moving, plumbing, electrical, painting, you-name-it. His great-grandchildren still play on the swing set he welded from steel pipe.
He shared his expertise and craftsmanship freely with his extended family, always ready to help with a home project or problem. The consummate family man, he led by example and has passed on his skills and quiet determination to his children and grandchildren.
Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation at the Keefe Funeral Home, 5 Chestnut Street, Arlington on Friday from 9:30-11 am. Followed by a funeral mass in Saint Agnes' Church at 11:30 am. Burial in Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Arlington.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to one of these two organizations:
• BILH At Home Hospice at https://www.bilhathome.org/home-health-services/hospice-care/support-us/
• The Sanborn Foundation of Arlington at P.O. Box 417, Arlington, MA 02476-0052
He is predeceased by his spouse and partner of 58 years, Mary Rose (Linskey).
Loving father of Edward and his wife Amy of Maine, Paul and his wife Yuchong of Maryland, Joan Pike and her husband Matt of South Carolina, Bill and his wife Lynn of Sudbury, Christine of Tewksbury, Anne Mazzola and her husband Jim of Arlington and Kathleen of Arlington.
Devoted grandfather “Papa” to 12 and great-grandfather “Big Papa” to 6.
Brother to John Curran and his wife Elaine of Wilmington.
Predeceased by his brother John Francis, sister Marie Navin and grandson William Pike.
Ed proudly served in the US Navy aboard the USS Osage during WWII from 1944-1946.
He had a practiced expertise across the full spectrum of building trades. A carpenter by trade; he worked many years at Boston Metal Door and then in the Arlington School System. When he and Mary moved their young family to Arlington in the early 1960’s, they boldly purchased a two-decker with lots of potential and needing much TLC. His children cannot recall a time when a major renovation was not underway - earth-moving, plumbing, electrical, painting, you-name-it. His great-grandchildren still play on the swing set he welded from steel pipe.
He shared his expertise and craftsmanship freely with his extended family, always ready to help with a home project or problem. The consummate family man, he led by example and has passed on his skills and quiet determination to his children and grandchildren.
Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation at the Keefe Funeral Home, 5 Chestnut Street, Arlington on Friday from 9:30-11 am. Followed by a funeral mass in Saint Agnes' Church at 11:30 am. Burial in Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Arlington.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to one of these two organizations:
• BILH At Home Hospice at https://www.bilhathome.org/home-health-services/hospice-care/support-us/
• The Sanborn Foundation of Arlington at P.O. Box 417, Arlington, MA 02476-0052