WARD, Francis V. “Franny”, 65, of West Roxbury, formerly of Mission Hill, June 1, 2012. Beloved son of the late Arthur Ward, Sr. and the late Mary (Fitzsimmons) Ward. Loving brother to the late Mary Sullivan and her late husband Leo of Jamaica Plain, the late Arthur “Sonny” Ward, Jr. of West Roxbury, the late Dorothy Higgins and her husband Brian of Chelmsford, Margaret Sullivan and her husband Donald of Quincy, Michael “Skipper” Ward of West Roxbury, and Virginia Melvin and her husband Paul of Rockland. Devoted ‘father’ to Peter Gray Jr. and his wife Colleen of Walpole, and cherished Papa to their children Ryan, Madison and Lily. Also survived by many adoring nieces, nephews and close friends. A veteran of the USAF, Franny had a longstanding career with the Commonwealth of MA’s Public Health Police Unit and the MBTA, where he retired. He was a longtime member of the Mission Hill American Legion Post #327 and the Boston Elks Lodge #10. A graduate of Mission High School and basketball standout, Franny spent much of his life serving the community and youth of Mission Hill as a coach, mentor and friend to many. Franny was known as the “Basketball Guru” and touched the lives of countless people with his generous and caring ways. He will be sorely missed and lovingly remembered by many in the Mission Hill and surrounding communities. Funeral from the William J. Gormley Funeral Home 2055 Centre St. WEST ROXBURY, on Thursday, at 11;30am, followed by a Funeral Mass in The Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 1545 Tremont Street, BOSTON at 1 o’clock. Visiting hours Wednesday 4-8pm. Relatives and friends invited. Interment at Mt. Benedict Cemetery, WEST ROXBURY. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Franny’s memory to: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center; Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, 330 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 02115, Attn: Michael S. Kent, MD