Obituary: John W. Francis Sr., 75, of Stratford

From William R. McDonald Funeral Home

John William Francis Sr., 75, of Stratford, beloved husband of Jacqueline, passed away Monday, June 5, 2017 in Bridgeport Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Mr. Francis was born December 27, 1941 in Westerly, Rhode Island, son of the late Ivor ‘Giggs’ and Helen (Stenhouse) Francis and had been a lifelong resident of Stratford.

John was a United States Navy veteran and was a retired Chief Fleet Mechanic for the United Illuminating Co. He was an avid softball player, loved fishing, gardening and politics. He was a member of the American Legion and was also involved with the United Way. He loved animals, especially his adored cat, Minnie.

Survivors, in addition to his wife, include his two sons John Francis Jr. and his wife Lisa of West Haven and Gary Francis of New Haven; grandchildren Alyssa and Brandon; sister Marilyn Francis of Stratford; sister-in-law Lorraine Francis of Pennsylvania wife of his predeceased brother Stewart; three stepchildren Angela McGuirk (Christopher), Arthur Lazzari (Susie) and Anthony(Kim); step grandchildren, Kayla, Adrianna, Amanda, Eamonn and Christopher and several nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws.

Friends are invited to attend his funeral service officiated by Reverend Edward Rawls on Friday evening, June 9, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. in the William R. McDonald Funeral Home, 2591 Main St., Stratford. Friends may visit with his family Friday before the service from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friends are also invited Saturday, June 10, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. for his interment with military honors by meeting directly at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 1056 Daniels Farm Road, Trumbull.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to either the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Ave., N.W. Washington, DC 20420 or the United Way, 701 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA 22314.

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit William R. McDonald Funeral Home here.