Methuen - On the evening of March 19, 2014 Francis R. Gioia of Methuen passed away peacefully at the Merrimack Valley Hospice House in Haverhill while comforted by his loving family. He was 71 years on this earth and was the loving husband of his late wife, Carol Ann "Kiyo" Gioia, to whom he was married for 37 years. He was the son of the late Salvatore J. and Santina (Grasso) Gioia and was born March 13, 1943 in Lawrence. He was proceeded by his sister Phyllis (Gioia) D’Agati and his brother Salvatore Jr. He was educated in Lawrence schools system prior to enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps. He proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. For many years Frank worked as a heavy equipment operator and truck driver before retiring.
In his free time, Frank loved motorcycles, playing cards and being outside. He also loved taking trips to Foxwoods and especially loved spending time with his family.
Family members broken hearted include his sons Francis R. Gioia, Jr. and fiancé Kelly Poindexter of Dracut, John R. Gioia and fiancé Kate Austin of Methuen, Robert W. Phillips and his wife Stacey of NH; daughter, Karen A. Phillips and partner Karen Cleary of Methuen; grandchildren, Sheena (Gioia) and her husband George Joseph Bannon III, Derek Gioia, Bryanna Phillips, Kelli and Kassi Phillips, and Ashton Gioia. One great-grandson George Joseph Bannon IV; sister Joyce (Gioia) Huntress and her husband, Ronald of NH, Ellen (Gioia) Aboud and her husband, Robert of Methuen; his close nephew Michael D’Agati and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.
He is very loved and will be deeply missed by all. We will see you in HEAVEN!!
Family and friends will honor and celebrate Frank's life by gathering for calling hours at the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, 233 Lawrence Street, Methuen on Saturday, March 29, 2014 from 8 - 11 AM with funeral services to follow at 11 AM in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested, in Frank's honor, memorial contributions be made to the American Stroke Association, 20 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01710-4688 or to the American Cancer Society, Memorial Giving Program, 30 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01710.
For directions or to send an online condolence to Frank's family, please visit www.pollardfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook at Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home. The Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home is honored to serve the Gioia Family.