SOUTHWICK: John William Francis, 71, (1950-2021) of Southwick, was Called Safely Home on October 12, 2021, after a difficult battle with cancer. He was born in Springfield, MA
on March 22, 1950 to the late Edward Francis and Violet (Eggleston) Daigneault.
John was the beloved husband of 49 years to Bonnie Francis; a loving father to Anthony Francis, Marie Sampson and husband John, and Kerri Francis; a cherished Dida (grandfather) to Destiny, Michael, Phoenix, Angelina & Logan Francis; a dear brother to Thomas Francis and wife Gina of Denver, NC and Carol Maroon of Chicopee, MA; and leaves many loving extended family members and dear friends. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his stepfather Andre, stepmother Peggy, and brothers Edward (Peewee) and Kenneth (Kenny).
John was a veteran of the Vietnam War serving his country proudly with the US Marine Corps. He was a retired Firefighter on the Springfield Fire Department and was a parishioner of Our Lady of the Lake Church in Southwick, MA. He enjoyed camping, fishing and golfing but his greatest joy was spending time with his family especially his cherished grandchildren.
Visiting hours for John will be held from 4:00PM-7:00PM on Tuesday, October 19, 2021 at the Southwick Forastiere Funeral & Cremation located at 624 College Highway in Southwick, MA.
A funeral home service will take place at 1:30PM on Wednesday, October 20, 2021. Burial with full military honors will follow in the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, Agawam.
His family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his name to Sister Caritas Cancer Center, 271 Carew St, Springfield, MA 01104. www.forastiere.com
