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Matthew Foley Obituary

Matthew F. Foley, Sr. 91, of Franklin died June 14 in the Maples Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Wrentham. He was the husband of Margaret (Pendergast) Foley for the past 70 years. Born in Norwood, June 24, 1923, the son of the late Coleman J. and Mary (OToole) Foley, Mr. Foley was raised in Norwood and had lived in Franklin for the past 56 years. Mr. Foley was a graduate of Norwood High School. He had been graphics arts teacher at Southeastern Regional High School for 20 years before retiring. He had previously worked at Plimpton Press in Norwood. Following his retirement, he worked at the Franklin YMCA as a trainer. Mr. Foley had been past president of the AFT Union at Southeastern Regional High School. He had also been a union organizer for the typographical union. Mr. Foley had served in the Navy during World War II; attaining the rank of Boatswains Mate First Class. Matt enjoyed fishing and hunting and had raised all kinds of animals as well as being a bee keeper. In addition to his wife he is survived by his sons, Dennis Foley of Stoughton and David A. Foley of Salem, Maine. He was the father of the late Matthew F. Foley Jr. He is also survived by his sister Peggy Deshiro of North Attleboro and was the brother of the late Thomas, John, Coleman, Vincent and Mary Foley. He is also survived by his grandchildren, James, Eric, Heather, Catherine and Nicholas and his great-grandchildren, Shane and Noah.

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Published by The Country Gazette - Bellingham from Jun. 16 to Jun. 26, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Matthew Foley

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Leah (Hannan) LaBarge

June 18, 2015

Mr. Foley - you will always be an inspiration to your students. I have never forgotten your wisdom, "you never get a second chance to make a first impression" and have lived that every day. You were an example for all of us and your smile was a reward. Blessings to your family!

Patricia Ries

June 17, 2015

I worked with Matt at the Y. We often worked the opening shift together. Matt always had a smile and a warmth about him, that got my day off to a good start. I loved our conversations and the fact that he willingly shoveled and salted ( in the dark!) with me on many cold snowy days. You are missed Matt. Thank you for being my friend.

Dawn (Newby) Dye (class of 88)

June 17, 2015

As I read all the other messages it brings a smile to my face at how much he was loved! He really made you feel special, always smiling, cracking jokes, and his hugs were the best! To this day I still use one of his quotes from shop, "it's always better to ask stupid questions then to make stupid mistakes". I consider myself lucky to have known Mr. Foley. I even went to his house with Karen, & Mrs. B after he retired and he gave me a bunny! ~ Thank you for the Memories.

Sandi Cataldo Coffey

June 17, 2015

Mr. Foley, it saddens me to hear of your passing. You were there for us in so many ways. Kind words, a smile & that infectious laugh. You were there for me during some hard times and I am forever grateful for that. Because of you, I wanted to be a better person. You were so full of light, laughter and love. "From one of many to one of few." RIP xoxo

Diana Roque (Berry)

June 17, 2015

The world just lost one of the best teachers ever. In all my years of school, Mr Foley is the one I remember most. His love for teaching, his laughter and his weird sense of humor. Heaven has an awesome angel to watch over everyone. Prayers to his family.

Michele Lovell

June 17, 2015

So sorry for your loss. I had Mr. Foley in the ninth grade and he was the greatest. My sister Doreen graduated from graphic arts and I used to go visit her and he would always give the best smile and always welcomed you. Rest in peace Mr. Foley

Sherry (Linehan) Romanowicz

June 17, 2015

Best. Teacher. Ever.
Mr. Foley....warm, kind, funny, tough when necessary, always fair, we each thought we were his favorite! A great man and a terrific educator. The world needs more like him. RIP
Sherry (Linehan) Romanowicz

Karen Brophy Olson

June 17, 2015

Dear Mr. Foley, There was no other like you. Your kind smile and generous hugs saw many of us through the good times and the bad in high school. You gave the best you had and those of us lucky enough to sit in front of you in class were blessed with wonderful stories of your life. Your love for Mugsey was a beautiful example to follow. Thank you. And I think of you and smile you when I'm looking for something to stir my coffee with. "Always use something sanitary when you stir your coffee" as you took the pencil from your pocket and stirred away! Thank you for giving so much of yourself to us 'kids' even after high school. Many prayers to your family. May they find comfort in the wonderful years they had you.

Laurie-Ann O'Donnell

June 17, 2015

What a great teacher. Always there to help in anything that you had problems with.... RIP... Class of 83.

Tammy Cornwall

June 17, 2015

Mr. Foley, you where an awesome teacher, kind, with a sense of Humor, even students you didn't have you enjoyed you and would come visit you also was great when you came to my class reunion 5years ago! R.I.P Mr. Foley, will be very sadly missed <3

SERVTHS Yearbook - 1982

Michelle (Genereux) Duprey

June 17, 2015

I always made a point to stop by and see Mr. Foley while "walking the halls" with Cheryl M. each school morning.

Mr. Foley had a ready smile and a hug and great conversation. He was a pleasant start to my school day. I always liked him and he was one of those teachers that I'd go back to visit even after I graduated.

Mr. Foley, may you rest in peace.

To your family, take comfort in your memories of him and he will visit you in your dreams. :)

June 17, 2015

Mr. Foley, you were such a wonderful teacher. You always had a smile to share and made your student feel as though you truly took interest in helping them. Thank you. Rest in peace. ~Laureen Peluso

John Burke

June 16, 2015

You were and continue to be a great inspiration to all of us you taught. Thank you for your knowledge and wisdom. Teacher, Mentor, Friend.

June 16, 2015

I'll miss his spirit. So sorry for your loss.

Joyce Notine
Formerly YMCA staff

Charlie Robinson

June 16, 2015

Marge, we were saddened with the news of Sam's passing. He was a great person and friend to Helen & Charlie Sr. over the years and he will be missed. Please accept our condolences.

Charlie & Janet Robinson

Barbara Sheridan Berndt

June 16, 2015

Such a wonderful man with a ready smile for all. Wishing the Foley family many happy memories and rememberances of love.

Bob and Amelia Foley

June 16, 2015

Uncle Sam, you will be so greatly missed. We have such fond memories of you and all your wonderful stories. We will always remember your warmth and your smile. Rest in Peace....with love and prayers.

Sandy Giardino

June 16, 2015

Margaret and family I'm very sorry to hear of Matt's passing he was a kind, wonderful man, may his memories be forever in your heart.

Janet Ewing

June 16, 2015

So sorry to hear that Sam passed away. He was a great guy!

June 16, 2015

My deepest condolences, Mrs. Foley, Dennis and David. Your family has a special spot in my heart, that goes back to my earliest childhood. Rufus the "big" dog, the beagles, the Scottie, the big bull who would get loose and end up in the yard next to ours...and many, many more memories. I am so very sorry for your loss.Sending lots of love. Meg (Hoar) Flanagan

June 15, 2015

Peace and happiness Uncle Sam. I have wonderful memories of hunting with you and Uncle Bobby. The two of you taught me how to hunt and shoot and enjoy the great outdoors. Say hi to,everyone for me.
J. Stephen Foley Jr.

Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results

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Memorial Events
for Matthew Foley

Jun

17

Calling hours

5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

MA

Jun

18

Funeral

9:15 a.m.

Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin

131 Main Street, Franklin, MA 02038

Jun

18

Funeral Mass

10:00 a.m.

St. Mary's Church

MA

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