Wilfred N. Francis, Jr. 88, of Dartmouth passed away on December 30, 2024 after a long battle with dementia. He was the husband of Anna D. (Brindle) Francis with whom he shared 66 years of marriage.
Born in New Bedford, son of the late Wilfred N. and Gertrude E. (Cobb) Francis he lived most of his life in Dartmouth. He was a Dartmouth High School graduate and began his working life as a loom fixer at the former Berkshire Hathaway textile mill in New Bedford in the 1950s. He was also a machinist, and worked for a variety of local companies. For many years he liked to start his day with a classic American breakfast at a New Bedford area restaurant that served good coffee! He especially enjoyed being outdoors, including working in the woods cutting trees and maintaining forest land. He enjoyed listening to classic country music and could often be heard singing while working outside. He had a strong faith in God and in the teachings of the Bible. He always gave thanks before meals.
In addition to his wife Anna, he is survived by four sons: Scott Francis and his partner Melissa Stroud of Fall River, Craig Francis and his wife Karen (LeBlanc) Francis of Dartmouth, Glen Francis of New Bedford and Gary Francis of Dartmouth; five grandchildren: Sean Francis, Kelly (Francis) Theodore and her husband Richard, Cara (Francis) Grillo and her husband Ethan, Glen Francis, Jr. and Brianna Francis; three great-grandchildren: Luca Theodore, Josie Grillo and Johnny Grillo; and several nieces and nephews.
He was the brother of Joseph Francis and John Francis. He was predeceased by his sisters Helen Lamontagne, Nancy Babineau and Mary Tavares.
Services are private.
Memorial donations may be made to the Salvation Army:
https://give.salvationarmyusa.org