FOLEY, Francis L. Of Medfield, MA, Francis “Frank” “Fran” Foley, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on July 3, 2023 on his beloved Cape Cod in Chatham. He was about to celebrate his 89th birthday with his wonderful wife, children and grandchildren. He was a giant among men and will be missed by so many. His family and friends will cherish the many happy memories he created with them throughout his life.
Born on July 6, 1934, in Boston, MA to Anna (McCarthy) Foley and Charles Hugh Foley. He was the 10th of their 12 children. For the first 8 years of his life, he lived on Mission Hill in Roxbury. His family then moved to Roslindale, and he attended Roslindale High School, where he met the love of his life, Nancy Kelleher. They were married 65 years ago in April 1958 at St. Theresa’s Church in West Roxbury and created a beautiful life and family together, starting in West Roxbury and moving to Medfield in 1971, where they have since resided. Frank enjoyed his many years in Medfield and was often seen coaching his children’s sports or on the sidelines cheering them on. More recently, he could be found at one of his 11 grandchildren’s many sporting/school events or recitals. He became a familiar face in many neighborhoods, making friends and acquaintances when he was walking his grand dogs. He spent summers in Chatham and more recently, part of his winter in Naples, Florida. No matter where he was, he could always be found with Nancy and members of his family. He was a busy and big-hearted man with tireless amounts of energy, and he gave selflessly to many.
In addition to his wife Nancy, Frank leaves behind four children and their spouses. Susan & Larry Lepard (Sherborn, MA), Stephen & Lisa Foley (Wellesley, MA), Kevin & Hope Foley (Greenwich, CT), and David & Megan Foley (Wellesley, MA). He also leaves behind11 grandchildren whom he loved and adored: Alison, John, Neil, Libby, Maddie, Margaret, Lilly-Kate, Sam, Charlotte, Emmett and Zoe. He is also survived by his sister, Claire Foley and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sisters and brothers: Dorothy, Evelyn, Helen, Mary, Charles Jr., James, Teresa, John, Paul, and Robert.
Frank served in the U.S. Army as a Specialist 3rd Class/Chaplain’s Assistant. He received his B.S. in Management from Northeastern University. He had a long and successful career at Raytheon, Boston Edison, Nixdorf Computer, Wang Laboratories, and Mupac Corporation. He loved telling tales from his youth of selling concessions at Fenway Park and Boston Braves Field, and he was an avid sports fan of all the Boston teams and the Providence College Friars.
Frank was a devout Catholic who regularly attended Mass and, in his youth, served as an Altar Server at Holy Name Church in Roslindale. He later volunteered at St. Edward’s Parish in Medfield. He and Nancy prayed the Rosary together daily.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to Providence College with a memo “in memory of Francis Foley” at GivetoPC.org. Alternatively, checks can also be mailed to Providence College, Institutional Advancement, 1 Cunningham Square, Providence, RI 02918. Contact: [email protected]
A celebration of Frank’s life will be held with visitation hours on Tuesday, July 11 from 4:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 477 Washington Street (Rt.16) Wellesley. A Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, July 12 at 10:00 a.m. in St. Paul’s Church, 502 Washington Street, Wellesley. Burial will be private.