On January 2, 2022, with his loving family by his side, the angels lead Francis L. ‘Fran’ Marini off to eternal life to join his loved ones who have gone before him.
Fran was the son of the late Francis L. Marini of Weymouth and Joan Campbell Bianchi of Longwood, Florida. Born on March 5, 1949 the family lived together with his dearly cherished grandparents, Larry and Millie Marini in Quincy MA. As a young child Fran attended John Adams School until the family moved to Hanson where he began his early education at the Indian Head School. It was at Indian Head School where he met his life-long friend, Frank Callahan and the two have shared immeasurable moments and memories for over 60 years. Fran took great pride in being on the 1966 State Championship football team. He and Frank would spend countless hours reminiscing about their high school years as 1967 graduates of Whitman Hanson Regional High School.
Fran continued his education at Massasoit and further went on to receive a Bachelor’s degree from Suffolk University. Upon graduation he was hired by the Defense Department and moved to Washington, DC. While living in DC, his only daughter, Tricia, was born and instantly became the sunshine of his life. He enrolled in law school at George Washington University. Shortly after transferring back to Massachusetts, the Defense Department awarded Fran a Fellowship to Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. Upon completion of the Fellowship at Cornell, he once again returned to Massachusetts, where he completed his law studies and received a jurist doctorate from Suffolk University.
As a young lawyer, he opened a law practice with partner Stephen Turner in Brockton and in 1981 moved the practice to his hometown of Hanson.
Fran was a man of varying interests and many talents. He was an avid reader with a never-ending thirst for knowledge. He would look at situations with an eye toward improving them. It was that outlook on life which led him into his next career. His good friend and then retiring State Representative Charlie Mann encouraged Fran to run for his seat in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. After two very close races in both the 1994 primary and general elections, which is where he earned the nickname “Landslide Marini”, Fran became the new State Representative of the 6th Plymouth District serving the towns of Hanson, Pembroke and Duxbury.
With extraordinary oratory skills and sharp debate tactics, Fran quickly became a strong advocate for his constituents. He gained the respect and admiration of his colleagues from both sides of the aisle as well as his constituents; some of whom formed a group, Democrats for Marini. In his four short terms in the House, he rose through the ranks in the Republican party first becoming the Minority Whip, then being elected by the Republican caucus as the House Minority Leader.
In 2002 he was appointed by Governor Jane Swift as the Associate Justice of the Hingham District Court. While sitting only briefly in Hingham, Fran spent most of his years on the bench at Taunton District Court. Where again, he made a mark on his profession being considered as a fair and thoughtful jurist by not only prosecution and defense attorneys, but the court staff as well. In 2013, upon the retirement of Presiding Judge Patrick Hurley, Fran was appointed as the Presiding Judge at Hingham District Court, where he closed out his judicial career in 2015. It was at that time that Fran began his most favorite career of all... Retiree. On reflection of his careers, Fran would often say, “I didn't do too bad for a fat little Italian kid from Quincy.” We should say not, Your Honor.
Retirement provided Fran the opportunity to spend more time with family, particularly his father and his father-in-law, both of whom were in their late 80's and widowers. As a former Registry Inspector, his father, Frank, would regale him with stories of the Registry and the Navy. With his father-in-law, Joe Hannigan, they would discuss varying topics and solve all the problems of the day while sitting on Joe's front porch on Broadway in Hanover. Fran cherished his time with both of them, regularly repeating many of Joe's favorite quotes, “There is no sudden death after 80” and “It's better to be seen than viewed”.
In his retirement he enjoyed weekly lunches with his pal, Frank Callahan; family dinners, whether in the kitchen, on the deck or at a local restaurant; family vacations to Disney organized by his daughter Tricia, the Disney extraordinaire, and Sunday coffee at his Uncle Bob's. The common theme, family and food. He enjoyed working on home projects from remodeling the kitchen and bedroom, to installing a walkway and upgrading the shed. He was as handy with power tools as he was with a pen. He had an eye for decorating and his offices from the State House to the Court Houses to his own home, were perfectly adorn with his favorite interests and admired by all who were lucky enough to view them.
Known for his crisp white shirts, tailored suits and pocket squares, he was always impeccably dressed. He was smart, quick witted, kind, compassionate and fun to be around. Granted, some defendants may not have described him in the same vain.
Fran had been a long-time member at Halifax Country Club, where he forged many great friendships. With his passing, he has rejoined his Friday Foursome of Charlie Mann, Dave Flynn and Mo Hassan. Hit them long and straight gentlemen.
Fran is survived by his dedicated, beloved wife and best friend, Meredith (Hannigan) Marini, devoted and treasured daughter Patricia (Tricia) Glenn and her husband Thayer Russell, granddaughter Lizabeth Glenn all of Hanson, stepsons Steven Scozzari of Hanover and Jeffrey Scozzari of Astoria, New York. Fran was the brother of Janet Hunter of Surprise, AZ, Mark Marini of Weymouth, and Allison Prendergast and her husband Richard of Astor, Florida. Son-in-law of the late Joseph and Arlene Hannigan of Hanover. Brother-in-law to Kathleen Merrell of Sauquoit, NY, Joan & Robert Giroux, Joseph & Susan Hannigan and Edward & Donna Hannigan all of Hanover. He was the nephew of Robert and Anne Marini of Weymouth. He is survived by many nephews, nieces and cousins.
To all his friends and family who reached out through visits, phone calls, emails, Facebook and Zoom, Fran thoroughly enjoyed all the moments. We would like to thank and acknowledge all the various medical professionals and hospital staff, particularly Dr. Matthew Smith and NP Kara Oliveria, who provided compassionate care over the years. Always amazed by Fran's resilience, as we continued to return for yet another appointment or treatment. They would liken him to a cat with nine lives. We thank you for giving our family so much time with him for which we shall forever cherish. But even a cat with nine lives deserves a Heavenly rest.
To our long-time friend and aide Colleen McCarthy and her colleagues at South Shore VNA/Hospice we thank you for your support. Finally, to his dedicated Physical Therapist Holly Edwards Decker who not only provided Fran relief from his discomforts, but comic relief at each of her visits. You always left him smiling and encouraged for the future.
Fran has touched so many lives and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. He was the best Dad and husband a girl could ever imagine. His love for Tricia and Merry, and their love for him, will transcend all planes of existence. Each fortunate to have one another. A blessing from God. Love is forever.
Family and friends are invited to attend his visiting hours on Wednesday January 5 from 4:00-7:00 PM in the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Plymouth Street (Rte. 58 @ the rotary) Whitman and his funeral Mass on Thursday January 6 at 11:00 AM in the Holy Apostle Church, Maquan Street, Rte. 14, Hanson. A private burial will be held after the service.
Donations in Fran’s name can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.