Frank R. Mercier, Sr., 81 of Worcester, formerly of West Boylston and Leicester passed away, Monday March 28th at Mass General Hospital after a long and courageous battle with Lou Gehrig's Disease (ALS). He is survived by his son, Frank R. Mercier, Jr., and his wife Lisa; his loving daughter Karin Daigle; his sister, Sharon Mercier DeCiccio and her husband, Jeff; three grandchildren, Michael, Rachel and Michele and four great-grandchildren, Dylan, Leah, Nevaeh and Misael. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Joan Mercier. and his nephew, Chris Mercier and his wife, Meghan. Frank will be sorely missed by his Angel, one of his greatest blessings, Joann Montbleau who always made him feel loved, admired and cared for even during his most challenging times. He was predeceased by his son, Ronald Mercier, his daughter, Patricia Mercier, his brother, Gerald Mercier, and grandson, Ronald Daigle.
He was born in Worcester, the son of Archie and Cecilia Mercier. Frank was raised and educated in Worcester, until his family relocated to West Boylston. He was among the first graduating class of West Boylston High School in 1958. Shortly thereafter he enlisted in the United States Navy where he served his tour of duty on the USS Witek (DD848). He then worked as a meat cutter for the First National Stores, later joining the Worcester Police Department for over 20 years. After retirement he was a snowbird for many years, spending winters at his home in Florida.
Frank will be remembered as being extremely funny and could always make you laugh and charm you with his quick wit and sense of humor. His sparkling blue eyes, infectious smile and charismatic personality were just a few of his very unique qualities. He was a man's man, a total outdoors-man, who enjoyed hunting, fishing as well as home improvement projects. His true passion was collecting for curio and relic firearms, particularly those from WW II. He was a fantastic story teller and always enjoyed a good joke.
The family expresses their heartfelt thanks to Keila Rivera of the Lutheran Home, Levinia Daniluk from the Central Mass VA and Naomi Turbidy from the Boston VA, for the extraordinary care, compassion and advocacy they provided. Frank will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
His funeral will be held on Wednesday, April 6th at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 111 Worcester Road, West Boylston. Burial will be private. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers please make contributions to the Veterans Administration or the ALS Foundation. O'CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME is assisting the family with arrangements.