Skip to main content

Alfred I. Francis

By T.J. Woodward

francis1.jpg
  Alfred I. Francis, 90, of Batavia passed away peacefully on Friday November 24, 2017 at the New York State Veterans Home at Batavia. He was born on December 19, 1926 in Niagara Falls, NY and the son of the late Rosario and Abigail (Fieldhouse) DeFrancesco and stepfather LaVerne Hall. In addition to his parents, Alfred is predeceased by his wife of 58 years, Patricia (Murphy) Francis in 2006. He was the brother of the late Russell DeFrancesco and Joyce Zess

A World War II Veteran, he joined the United States Navy as a Seaman First Class at the age of 18 serving on several vessels including the USS LCT Flotilla 6 and USS Wyandot (AKA 92). He earned the Asiatic-Pacific, American Theater, and Victory medals. After the war, Alfred move to Batavia and worked at Batavia Veterans Hospital, GTE Sylvania, and Falcone Electric. He was a long-time member of St. Anthony’s Church.

He is survived by his children; John Francis of Las Vegas, Ronald (Sheila) Francis of Syracuse, Fred (Joan) Francis of Florida, Mark (Cindy) Francis of Batavia, Michael Francis (Mary Palmer) of Buffalo, Mary (Phil) Henry of Denver and Gail (Mark) Schnabl of Chili; 16 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren along with several nieces and nephews.

He enjoyed golf, attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, watching the “Bills” with family, going to Cuse games, and being a loyal 4:00 Pok-A-Dot coffee clutcher for many years.

There will be no prior calling hours. Family and friends are invited to attend a 12:00PM noon Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday December 2, 2017 at Ascension Parish 19 Sumner St. Batavia, NY 14020. Entombment with full Military Honors will be at St. Joseph Mausoleum in Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the “Alfred & Patricia Francis” Scholarship Fund, Notre Dame High School, 73 Union Street, Batavia, NY 14020.  For more information please call (585) 343-8260 or to sign a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Authentically Local