Gerald Edward Francis of West Simsbury passed peacefully at Hartford Hospital on Friday, November 27, 2015. Gerry, the son of the late Benjamin F and Gertrude (Donaghue) Francis was born in Hartford on May 24,1945. He grew up in Hartford, attending Cathedral of St Joseph School, St Thomas Aquinas High School and graduated from Hartford High School. He was employed for many years at Ellis W. Carlson Construction Company. Gerry was very proud of his Irish heritage, making many trips to Ireland (Derry to Kerry Gerry) and was a fixture in the Rocky Hill contingent of the St Patrick's Day Parade always driving his classic cars. He loved his cars and could diagnose any car. He was a member of the Over the Hill Gang Car Club and Connecticut Street Rods. He also enjoyed boating at the North Yard Marina in Deep River and was a long time vacationer at Point O' Woods Beach in Old Lyme. The most important things to Gerry were his family and spending as much time as possible with them. He is survived by his significant other and best friend Linda Ostiguy of West Simsbury and her son Ian Ostiguy, 2 sons and daughters in law, Christopher Sean and Marlene Francis of Newington, Timothy Sean and Elise Francis of Rocky Hill, and his three beloved grandchildren, Benjamin James, Shelby Lynne and Mikayla Nicole Francis, who meant the world to him. He is also survived by his two brothers, Donald and his wife Margaret Francis, John and his wife Patricia Francis all of Rocky Hill, and a sister Joanne and her husband Charles Powell of Berlin. Among his extended family are sisters in law and brothers in law, Elizabeth and Paul Backshall, Rosemary and Rick Johnson, James McVeigh, Kevin and Candice McVeigh, his aunt, Mrs. Vincent Donaghue and a special cousin Barbara Clemens as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his wife Ellen McVeigh Francis and a son, Sean Michael Francis. Funeral procession will be on Tuesday, (Dec. 1), 9:00 am from the Sheehan-Hilborn-Breen Funeral Home, 1084 New Britain Ave., West Hartford, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial, 10:00 am at St James Church, 767 Elm St., Rocky Hill. Burial will be at Mt. St. Benedict Cemetery, Bloomfield. The family will receive friends on Monday (Nov. 30), from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wounded Warriors Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org . The family extends a special thank you to the staff at Hartford Hospital Bliss 10-I who lovingly took care of both Gerry and his family. He was a friend to many, loved by all and will be truly missed.
"....And Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand."
Online condolences may be made a www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com.