Francis C. Earley, Age 89, formerly of Plymouth and Walpole passed away peacefully on Dec 18, 2015 after a long illness. Loving husband of Rose (Sullivan) Earley for the past 20 years. Francis was predeceased by his wife of 43 years, Geraldine (Connelly) Earley.
Devoted father of Robert Earley and his wife Toni of Nashua, NH, the late Joan M. Earley, Danielle Acconcia and her husband Bill of Medfield, MA, Frank Earley of Auburn, ME, Brian Earley and his wife Erin of Franklin, MA and Stephen Sullivan of Weymouth, MA.
He was the proud and beloved grandfather (“Grampy") to Jordyn Acconcia, Matthew Earley, Rhiannon Brown Earley, Christina Roberti, Meredith Earley, Sean Earley and Brigid Earley. He is survived by many nieces and nephews.
Born and raised in Dorchester, MA, he was the son of William and Anne (McHugh) Earley.
Mr. Earley was a proud US Navy veteran serving in WWII as radioman on the LST 923 in Japan and the South Pacific. In his later years, he was president and officer in the Massachusetts LST Association, a veterans group whose mission was to educate and promote the human stories of these ships and what the Landing Ship Tank (“LST”) meant to the war effort. He chaired a committee of veterans that formally welcomed a vintage LST to Boston in 2005.
Mr. Earley was also a proud graduate of Boston College and went on to a career in the aerospace industry, retiring from Itek Corporation in Lexington, MA. Mr. Earley enjoyed his retirement, traveling, taking in the activities of his family and grandchildren while also tending to his yard and swimming pool.
He was also an active member of the St. Bonaventure’s Church and the Knights of Columbus in Plymouth, MA. Francis will be greatly missed by all fortunate to have known him.
Visiting hours are Monday December 28th from 4-8 PM at the Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin, 131 Main Street, FRANKLIN, MA.
Funeral Mass Tuesday December 29th at 10:00 AM at St. Mary’s Church, 1 Church Sq., Franklin, MA. Burial with Full Military Honors to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, West Quincy, MA.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Mr. Earley’s name to the Michael J. Fox Foundation P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014