Calling hours will be held in Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Rd., Fitchburg on Saturday, December 18, from 10:00am – 11:30am. The funeral Mass will be celebrated in Saint Joseph Church, 49 Woodland St., Fitchburg at 12:00noon.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s foundation or St Josephs church.
John J. Francis Jr. “Jack” passed away December 13, 2021 at the age of 86 after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease and illness. Jack was a loving Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Brother and Friend.
He leaves his son John J. Francis III and his wife Sherry of Fitchburg, his daughter Jane (Francis) Shriver and her late husband Brian Shriver of Ohio, his son Robert Francis and his wife Christine of Westminster, and his favorite son Douglas Francis and his wife Mary Jo of Ashburnham.
Jack also leaves ten grandchildren; Nicole, Kimberly, Matthew, Jon, Alicia and Katie Francis and John, Michael and Casey Shriver of Ohio and Mikaela of Virginia. Jack also leaves 10 great grandchildren. He leaves a sister Diane (Francis) Allen and her husband Vic and his brother Tommy Francis of Gardner. Jack also leaves his close friend and roommate of 40 years Cheryl Clem of Fitchburg. He leaves many nieces and nephews.
Jack was born in Fitchburg on September 19, 1935 the son of the late John Francis Sr. and Delia (Vaudrain) Francis. Besides his parents he was predeceased by his sister Julie (Francis) Marceau and her husband Paul Marceau and his Grandson Ryan Francis.
He was a graduate of Fitchburg high class of 1955 and continued to support the high school athletic teams (one of his biggest passions) most of his life.
Jack worked for many years at Weyerhaeuser and James River before finding his true passion as a bus driver where he worked for some of the area’s best; Fitchburg & Leominster Street Railway, Chartered Bus Services, Holiday Bus and Finally Wilson Bus where he finished his driving career. Jack drove on many tours with Russ Cook Tours. He was an avid cribbage player, loved playing baseball and softball for most of his life and especially enjoyed watching his favorite Boston Red Sox. Jack was a member of the St. Joseph’s Church in Fitchburg.