Francisco T. Brum, 81, of Lowell, passed away on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at Palm Springs Post Acute Care in Chelmsford, with his beloved wife by his side, following a period of declining health. He was the devoted husband of Licia Maria (Bolarinho) Brum, with whom he shared 56 years of marriage.
Born on December 15, 1944, in São Miguel, Azores, Portugal, he was the son of the late Eugenio Tavares Brum and the late Angelina Tavares (Pereira) Brum. Francisco grew up on São Miguel and was educated there before joining the Portuguese Army.
While serving in the army, Francisco began writing letters to a young woman named Licia, who worked alongside his sister, Mary Medeiros. It was his sister who first brought them together, and the two carried on a heartfelt correspondence, writing back and forth throughout his years of service. A few years after his service ended, they were married, and together they came to the United States, settling in Lowell, where they started their family and built their life together.
Francisco worked for Prince Macaroni for over 40 years, retiring as a supervisor. Retirement did not suit him for long, and he soon returned to work part time at Vitasoy for a few years.
Faith was at the center of Francisco’s life. A devoted and faithful man, he attended Mass each week at St. Anthony’s Church, where he also generously volunteered his time. He was a proud member of Lowell’s Portuguese community, belonging to the Portuguese American Center the “Blues Club”, the Portuguese American Civic League, the “Red’s Club,” and the Holy Ghost Society. For nearly 60 years, he was a member of the Portuguese marching band, Banda Espírito Santo.
Francisco enjoyed gardening and fishing, loved the ocean, and cherished the trips he took traveling with his wife. Above all, he loved spending time with his family, his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and siblings, and treasured every moment he had with them. Those who knew Francisco will remember him as a genuinely good soul. Devoted and selfless, he was always there for everyone, and his kindness touched all who knew him. He will be deeply missed.
In addition to his wife, Licia, Francisco is survived by his children, Leonor Tavares and her husband Michael of Florida, Francisco Brum Jr. of Lowell, and George Brum of Lowell; his daughter-in-law, Nancy Brum of Lowell; his grandchildren, Michael and Zachary Tavares of Florida, Amanda Brum of Texas, Kelvin, Marcus, and Ava Brum of Lowell, Aiden Medeiros of Lowell, Kassandra Brum of Lowell, and Madison Brum of Texas; his great-grandchildren, Analeigh Heredia, Cayson Heredia, Alianna Brum, and Jonathan Brum; and several brothers and sisters, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his beloved son, Mario Brum, husband of Nancy, who passed away in 2015, and by many of his brothers and sisters.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, from 8 to 10 a.m. at McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland Street, Lowell, MA 01852. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at 11 a.m. at St. Anthony’s Church, 893 Central Street, Lowell, MA 01852. Burial will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery, 1251 Gorham Street, Lowell. Arrangements are under the care and direction of McDonough Funeral Home.