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Francis Williams Obituary
73 Of Belmont. The life journey of Francis A. Williams came to an end peacefully on Friday, Sept. 9th after a courageous 16-month battle with Leukemia at his home in Belmont, MA. Fran was born in Lincoln Park, MI July 14, 1938, the 9th of 13 children, to James and Catherine Theresa Williams. He was raised in Byron Center, MI before joining the Navy in 1956 and eventually relocating to MA where he met his wife of nearly 52 yrs. Anne T. (Mattola) Williams. A man devoted to his family, Fran was the father of Carole Williams of Belmont, Mary Ouellette & her husband Bob of Arlington, Paula Friedrich & her husband Chuck of Grosse Ile, MI, Tommy Williams & his wife Laura of Charlotte, NC, the Grandfather of Richard Caughey, Robby, Michelle & Brian Ouellette, John & Alexandra Friedrich, and J.D. Williams, as well as Uncle to numerous nieces and nephews. Founder of F. A. Williams, Inc., Fran was a well-known and highly respected businessman in the Plumbing Heating and Cooling industry for more than 50 years. He was involved in many business, civic, and charitable organizations and attended St. Luke Church in Belmont. Fran was an active member of the Plumbing Heating and Cooling Contractors (PHCC), serving as President at the local, state and national levels. He was Chairman of the PHCC Educational Foundation, providing college scholarships to many deserving high school graduates each year. Fran was an outdoor enthusiast. He enjoyed skiing, boating and walking for miles through Belmont's many natural trails. One of his true passions was attending the school activities and sporting events of his Grandchildren. Fran Williams never met a stranger. His door and his heart were always open to everyone he met. He will be remembered for his overwhelming kindness & generosity, and his spirit will live on in those he loved. Visitation in the Church of St. Luke, 132 Lexington St., Belmont Thursday Sept 15, 3-8pm. Funeral Mass in The Church of St. Luke on Friday Sept 16, 10:30am. Relatives and friends respectfully invited to attend. Interment Highland Meadows Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Fran's memory may be made to The PHCC National Educational Foundation http://tinyurl.com/FranWilliams - or The Belmont Food Pantry, PO Box 291, Belmont, MA 02478 https://sites.google.com/site/thebelmontfoodpantry/
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Memories and Condolences
for Francis Williams
Joan Schmitz
September 5, 2025
Fran, was always a perfect gentleman. You´re in God´s loving arms now.
September 14, 2011
Carole and Family, I am so very sorry for your loss. My most heartfelt thoughts, prayers and sympathies for you.
Joanne Raia
September 14, 2011
Carole and Family, I am so very sorry for your loss. My most heartfelt thoughts, prayers and sympathies are with you.
Mary Agnes Pardy
September 14, 2011
Aunt Anne, Carole, Tommy, Mary and Paula
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I am glad that over time I have had the opportunity to spend time with Uncle Fran and family during a visit or 2 to Boston. I also will always remember the blue dress he brought me when I was only about 8 yrs old on a visit that you made to Newfoundland. Having just lost my own Dad I all to clearly know the pain you feel. I find comfort daily in remembering the jovial man my Dad was. I believe that you too will find your peace.Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts. And we are never, ever the same.” He will be missed.
All our Love
Mary Agnes and Family
Janice Smerigan
September 14, 2011
Dear Anne & Family,
I am very sorry for your loss. Know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers during this time.
September 14, 2011
Dearest Anne & Family,
Our heart felt sympathy to you all for the loss you must be feeling. May you find peace knowing Fran is in the loving arms of our Lord.
Joan & Mike Schmitz
Waukesha, Wisconsin
Judy Anderson
September 14, 2011
Dearest Anne and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I am very sorry for your loss.
Lisa &Charley Giuffrida
September 13, 2011
Carole, Richard and entire Williams family: Our sympathy and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Christa Williams
September 13, 2011
Dear Aunt Anne and family,
Our deepest condolences at the loss of a wonderful husband and father. My first childhood memory is waking up at your home and being welcomed warmly by you Aunt Anne. I remember Paula's graduation and the wonderful lobster dinner. Uncle Fran always made you feel at home.
I wish I could attend the funeral, but I feel drawn to be with my dad these next few days. I'm not sure how many quality days he has remaining. I hope you understand.
Our prayers are with you for comfort and peace.
Love, Christa, David, Sasha and Rowan
Gary Grillo
September 13, 2011
Anne & family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Fran was wonderful, sincere and generous man. I was blessed and priviledged to have known him.
God Bless
Sandy Scheppler
September 13, 2011
Paula, thinking of you during this difficult time. Your dad sounded like a great man and wonderful father and grandfather. He was someone who had his priorities in order. Just like you!
John Zink
September 13, 2011
Anne & the Williams family – My thoughts and prayers are with you. Fran was one of the people who served as a role model for many people, and you can absolutely count me in that group. His dedication, work ethic and his eye for detail all made an impression that has shaped my work life. His 50+ years with Anne is an example of how to make a marriage last a lifetime. His kindness and willingness to help others was the ideal of how we all should treat our fellow man, but often fall short of.
It may sound clichéd, but Fran really was one of those special people who, just by being him and doing what he did every day, made the world a better place and everyone who knew him better people.
He will be missed by all of us in the PHCC family.
September 13, 2011
Dear Anne & Family, With regreat I received the news of Fran's death but know he is received into eternal life with Jesus at his side and welcomed him home. The treasured memories since 1974 of our association within the PHCC Association & Educational Foundation was not for our benefit but is for the betterment of those who come into our industry. It has been my honor and pleasure to have been a member of the Past National Officer of PHCC with Fran, May the comfort and richest of blessings from The Holy Father be with you now and forever hereafter. Dick & Patty Irwin, Tequesta, Florida.
Jean Williams
September 13, 2011
Dear Ann and family,
Sorry I will not be joining you and family for Fran's funeral. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Jean
September 12, 2011
Aunt Anne and Family,
We are thinking of you during this time. As you know, we will not be able to attend the funeral in person, but we are there in spirit!! We will always cherish the fond memories of our family visits to the Cape. Love, Brian, Jane, Brett & Colin Williams
Samantha Smith
September 12, 2011
Anne and Family,
Thinking of you during this difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
CVS 1848 Belmont MA
Keith & Linda Bienvenu
September 12, 2011
Dear Anne and Family,
We are very sorry for your loss. Fran was a great guy and always had an interesting story. We have made several memorable friends through PHCC and Fran is definately one of the top!
Bill Jones
September 12, 2011
Dear Anne and Family,
Words can not express my feelings at this time. Fran has been a mentor and friend of mine for several years. I will miss his advice and friendship. I know the good Lord has a special place for Fran and I will pray for you and Fran. We have lost a great one.
john Garvelink
September 12, 2011
Dear Anne and Family:
We were saddened to learn of Fran's transformation. Our compassion and prayers abide with your family.
Fran will be missed. He was a friend to all he met. We recall attending one of our first PHCC functions and Fran was one of the first to greet and welcome us. I still recall that warm smile and and sincere voice "If there is anything I can ever do let me know." He made us feel right at home and as the days grow into years and experiences, we felt part of his family.
Fran was well respected for his leadership, honesty,business skills, dedication to success, but most importantly that his treasures were in his faith, family and friends.
Fran touched our lives in many positive ways and span many years. Fran's friendship, life leasons, and love will always be remembered - cherished.
May God's promise that there is no death in an earthly journey will Him, but just a grand new adventure that awaits us in heaven. Truely, he has witnessed God's perfect smile, felt His embrace and heard those most precious words, we all seek to hear, "Welcome home,my good and faithful servant."
In Christ's love and friendship,
Mary and John Garvelink
"Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." I Corinthans 15:57
Ed Ellison
September 12, 2011
Dear Anne and Family,
I first met Fran in 2007, and came to love him like a dad. He was so good to me in my role as Director of Operations at Roxbury Latin - teaching me about HVAC, helping the school to save untold thousands of dollars, sharing good laughs. I know that he will leave a huge void in the lives of everyone with whom he came in contact, but I am heartened to know that Heaven will have first-rate plumbing when the rest of us arrive! God Bless you in your time of sorrow,
Gail Daly
September 12, 2011
Anne and all the F. A. Williams family:
I am so sorry for your loss. Fran was the true meaning of gentleman. He never had a cross word about anyone. I am going to miss him. God bless you all and my you find peace in your hearts soon.
Todd Dupre
September 12, 2011
Dear Anne and Family,
I was very saddened to hear the news of Frans passing. From the moment I had met him 6 years ago he was nothing but a kind hearted, hardworking & generous individual. He always took the time to listen and offer advice whenever we spoke. I have met a lot of people in the HVAC industry over the years, not too many which were first class like Fran. Whenever I speak of the people whom I wished to model myself after in life, I always say Fran is one of the best! A year ago when I started my own business Fran and I sat down in his office to discuss the dos and don’ts in having your own company. He was such a wealth of information and a big supporter in helping us get it off the ground. I will always be grateful for his positive outlook and kind smile!
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time
David Manzo
September 12, 2011
My heart goes out to Anne and Fran's entire family. I never meet a more decent, honest and thoughtful person than Fran. I will carry him in my heart. Dave Manzo (Cotting School)
Laura Staylor Beymer
September 12, 2011
Anne and Family,
I am very sorry for your loss of Fran. He was one of the nicest people I have ever met and was extremely well liked. May God, friends, family and wonderful memories give you comfort during this difficult time.
" Amanda" Oosdyke
September 11, 2011
My heart is sad at the loss of Fran on this earth. In addition to his hospitality, generosity and kindness, he was a terrible tease! He was fun, worked hard and enjoyed life and the many people who came into his life. He will be so missed by many, but most of all his strong presence will be missed by you, Anne, Carole, Mary and Tom. May the faith he always held be the gift that comforts you as well.
Carolyn Layzer
September 11, 2011
Dear Mrs. Williams and Family,
I was so very sad to hear from Carole of Mr. Williams' passing. I have very fond and vivid memories of his kindness and hospitality, and I am sure that all of Carole's friends will say the same. When we were in high school, Mr. Williams treated us with respect, showing his own integrity through and through. He was indeed a generous and dear man, and I am so very sorry for your loss and for the loss of an honest, hardworking role model.
Mary Garvelink
September 11, 2011
Dear Anne and Family, Fran was someone everyone respected as soon as they met him. Fran always made people feel like a long time friend and he welcomed everyone. Fran's kindness and loving ways will be missed but Fran will never be forgotten.
Blessings and Love, Mary Garvelink, Colorado Springs, CO
September 11, 2011
Dear Carole and family,
Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss,
Simone Analetto
Mary Navarre
September 11, 2011
Dear Anne and Family,
The words kind and generous and capable name my good memories of Fran in the years when I knew him best while I was studying at Boston University. He was fun too! I have nothing but fond memories of Fran and all of you. You were family to me when mine was so far away and I will always be grateful to you. Much love, Sr. Mary Navarre
Eric Kardovich
September 11, 2011
Tommy, Anne and Family,
I was deeply saddened to hear of the news of Fran's passing. I have many fond memories of spending time with Tommy, Fran, Anne and various friends and family members at their Cape house in W. Dennis. Fran was a kind and generous man and will truly be missed. I am so sorry for your loss, and pray that God will give you comfort, strength, and many happy memories throughout this difficult time.
Eric Kardovich and Family
Gerry Kennedy
September 11, 2011
Anne and Family: You know how much I admired Fran. He wasn't just my boss, twice, but a dear friend. My sincere condolences. Fran has left this world a better place because of his committment to his community and the plumbing and HVAC industry.
Fernando and Jeanne Bossanelli
September 10, 2011
Anne and Family, We are so very sad to learn of Fran's passing. Know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. He was a wonderful man and someone that we respected very much. May the comfort of family and friends keep you during this very difficult and sad time.....God Bless
Joe and Donna Frank
September 10, 2011
Our deepest sympathies and our prayers are with your whole family. May God's comfort surround you as you go through this time of sorrow.
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