Edward R. Francis, 77, died Thursday, May 07, 2009 in the Merrimack Valley Hospital. He was the husband of Doreen M. (Burke) Francis.
Born in Haverhill on May 25, 1931, he was the son of the late Reginald E. and Doris I. (Ward) Francis. He grew up in Groveland and has resided in Haverhill for the past sixty years. He was a graduate of St. James High School.
Edward was self-employed as a painting contractor in the Essex County and Southern New Hampshire area for forty years before retiring in 1995. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed country music.
In addition to his wife of forty-five years, he is survived by three sons and two daughters-in-law, Michael J. and Cay Francis of Epping, NH, Steven M. Francis and June Dunne of Newton, NH and Lee A. Francis of Haverhill, four grandchildren, Christopher J. Francis of Atkinson, NH, Patrick M. Francis of Plaistow, NH, Kelsey R. Francis of Newton, NH and Jason and his wife, Melissa Dunne of Newton, NH, two brothers and sisters-in-law, Richard and Patricia Francis of Raymond, NH and Donald and Maureen Francis of Danville, NH and many nieces and nephews.
His funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday in St. James Parish, Winter Street, Haverhill at 11 a.m. Visiting hours will be held on Monday in the Linnehan-Grondin Funeral Home, 129 Kenoza Avenue, Haverhill from 5 - 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the Haverhill Boys & Girls Club, 55 Emerson St., Haverhill, MA 01830. Interment will be held in the Riverview Cemetery, Groveland.