WORCESTER-Francis “Van” A. Van Slett, 87, of 70 Briarwood Circle died Monday, August 18th in The Elms after a long illness. He leaves a son, Frederick H. Van Slett of Cape Coral, FL; 5 daughters, Gloria F. Van Slett and Carol B. Allen both of Worcester, Barbara E. Van Slett of Spencer, Frances E. Van Slett of Phoenix, AZ and Catherine M. Ortiz of Tempe, AZ; 8 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; his close companion, Helen Harford of Worcester; his former wife, Catherine M. Van Slett of Phoenix, AZ.
He was born in Worcester the son of Arthur A. and Mary E. (Patten) Van Slett, has lived here all of his life and graduated from South High School. Mr. Van Slett developed Van Slett Advertising Co. from a one-room operation to a prominent full-scale advertising and sign manufacturing company, which he owned and operated for over 50 years, until retirement. He was a member of the Painters Union and the Worcester Rotary Club.
The funeral services, burial and calling hours are private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Worcester Animal Rescue League, 139 Holden Street, Worcester, MA, 01606. O’Connor Brothers Funeral Home, 592 Park Avenue is directing the arrangements.