Francis X Ahern “Frank” 89 years old of Natick, MA passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on November 20, 2023. Son of the late Francis H and Katherine M (Flynn). Raised in Jamaica Plain and long-time resident of Needham. Beloved husband of Catherine (Liberto) Ahern. Father of Francis (Christina), David (Diane), Paul (Pam) and was predeceased by his son Sean. Brother of the late Mary Baxter. Grandfather of seven, Liam (Bridgette), Molly, Colleen, Rian, Daniel, Matthew and Vivien. He leaves many nieces, nephews and friends.
Frank was an English teacher in the Boston Public Schools for 32 years, cutting his teeth at Boston Latin School and spending the majority of his years at Copley Square High School where he also taught drama, managed the yearbook and newspaper staffs and directed numerous stage productions.
A proud graduate of Boston College High School, he held two Masters’ degrees and numerous certifications, he attended BC, BU, Suffolk University and Boston State College and studied subjects ranging from film to counseling, photography, stage production and, at the University of Tennessee where he served as an instructor on the writings of St. Augustine.
At eighteen, his education was put on hold to serve in the US Marine corps. He considered his 12 plus years of Catholic education as unique preparation for boot camp. Renowned for his wit, storytelling, and unending insights.
A Funeral Mass will be held in St. Theresa of Avila Church, 2078 Centre St, West Roxbury on Tuesday, November 28th at 10:00am. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Frank may be made to St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org or The Good Shepherd Hospice in Newton, MA, www.gscommunitycare.org.