After a short battle with Cancer, Francis "Fran" Carey O’Day passed away at the age of 77 years surrounded by family and friends. He was born October 10,1945 in Worcester, Massachusetts the son of William Leonard and Alice Elizabeth (Carey) O’Day.
Fran is survived by his sister, Denise O’Day Barber of Napa California; nieces; a nephew; numerous cousins; and dear friends who were family. He was predeceased by his parents, William L. and Alice E. (Carey) O’Day and brothers, Stephen Michael, Brian and William Gerald O’Day.
Fran graduated from St. Peter’s Central Catholic High School the class of 1963 with classmates whose friendship remain strong to this day. He was drafted into the U. S. Army, graduated from Officer Candidate School, served in Vietnam and was honorably discharged in January 1969.
After returning to civilian life, he took advantage of an opportunity to teach, followed by various sales positions all focused on cars and auto racing. He soon realized that his real passion was for Porsches and auto racing. Fran started with a 1971, 914-6 Porsche driving Autocross races in New England. Over the years he touted many wins including 2007 Northeast Autocross champion for class 6 vehicles.
A lifelong bachelor, Fran continued his Porsche passion, but never forgot his family. He was always present with the clan. He made friends easily. Many of his friendships since high school, still hold fast after 6 decades. This group provided invaluable support during Fran’s course of treatment at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute- Cancer Treatment and Research Center in Boston, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284
Lutheran Rehabilitation Center and Skilled Nursing Center, and Brookhaven Hospice. It is with deep gratitude we say thank you to all who cared for Francis through his illness.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to any of the Cancer care facilities mentioned above or a charity of your choice.
He rarely missed a celebration, sports gathering, a lunch/dinner out or a group at the club to regale any and all with his broad sense of humor, a Karaoke tune or two, puns or just one liners. He’d get you every time.
A Celebration for Fran’s life will be held on Friday, November 11th in the Worcester Hibernian Culture Center, 19 Temple Street, Worcester from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue is assisting the family with arrangements.