Francis Claude Dawson III, passed away peacefully at his home in Fall River, MA on October 19, 2017. He was known to many as” Frank or Sonny”. Frank was born in Boston, Massachusetts on March 19, 1944, to Francis C Dawson II and Florence (Theriault) Dawson who are both predeceased, as well as his two brothers Lester and Robert Dawson.
Frank was well known in the Nashua, New Hampshire area where many of his relatives still reside. Frank is survived by his sisters Claudette Levesque (Nashua, NH), Rosalind Livingston (Salem, NH) , Ann Reczko and husband Jesse (Nashua, NH), Francine Ripaldi and husband Peter (Methuen, MA), and Katherine Alexander (Manchester, NH).
Frank’s children, Julie Anne Dawson, (Nashua, NH), Kendra Dawson, (New York, NY), Michael Dawson (Rowley, MA), Francis C Dawson IV and his wife Melissa (Fall River, MA) and Cameron Dawson (Rollinsford, NH) Grandchildren Christian Delzanno, (New York, NY) and Annabelle and Holly Dawson (Rowley, MA). In addition to many nieces and nephews.
Frank was a proud American and loved the military, he served in the United States Army, during the Vietnam Conflict for 3 years and due to his combat injuries after 6 years of service, retired as a Sergeant E-5. Frank’s employment included Purchasing Agent at Fort Devens, MA Commissary, and Rehabilitation Liaison Officer of Veteran Affairs, at the Crescent House, in Lowell, MA. Frank touched many homeless veteran’s lives and fought hard for their rights by setting up homeless programs not just locally but, throughout the country. Frank will be missed by many who crossed paths with him along his life’s journey, for he was a big man, with a generous heart. Frank was a sports enthusiast and was a huge fan of the New England Patriots and the Boston Red Sox. In addition, Frank was an avid dog lover/owner of Moxie, Rocky, and Willie, along with his Manx cat “Peeper”.
A graveside service will be held at the National Cemetery in Bourne, MA Monday, October 30th at 11 AM. A funeral car procession will leave Manuel Rogers & Sons Funeral Home located at 1521 N. Main St Fall River MA at 9:30 AM.
Immediately following the service, a celebration of Francis C Dawson III life will be held at the VFW Post #5988 180 Shore Rd Buzzards Bay, MA. In lieu of flowers you may donate to: Disabled American VeteransPO Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301