Francis X. Atkinson

YORK Francis Xavier Atkinson, 72, died Tuesday, December 11, 2007, at his home. He was the former husband of Julia A. (Furlong) Atkinson of York. A visitation will be 12 to 1 p.m. Monday, December 17, followed by a 1 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Patrick Church, 231 S. Beaver St., York, with the Rev. Samuel Houser as celebrant. Burial will be in Holy Saviour Cemetery. The John W. Keffer Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 902 Mt. Rose Ave., York, is entrusted with the arrangements. Mr. Atkinson was born August 11, 1935, in Flushing, N.Y., a son of the late Neil and Eleanor (Fitzpatrick) Atkinson. He was an active member of St. Patrick Church and served as a Special Minister and visited the sick as an Extraordinary Minister. Mr. Atkinson was a 1953 graduate of York Catholic High School and graduated from Notre Dame University in South Bend, Ind. He served as an Information Specialist and Chaplain's Assistant in the U.S. Army. Mr. Atkinson had been employed with International Harvester in New York City and served as a manager in Bronx, N.Y., Syracuse, N.Y., and Scituate, Mass. He was the owner of Atkinson International Truck Dealership in York and was later employed at Sears in York. He enjoyed golf and was a fan of Notre Dame football. Mr. Atkinson is survived by four children, Francis X. Atkinson, Jr. and his wife, Susan of Lebanon, Kathleen Elser and her husband, Christopher of Marietta, Anne Regina Atkinson of Mechanicsville, Va., and J. Wade Atkinson and his wife, Kristy of York; grandchildren, Sheleigh Atkinson, Mycaeri Atkinson, Katlyn Skiles, Ethan Skiles, Brian Blend, Matthew Blend, Julia Blend, and Samuel, Jonas, and Elise Atkinson; sister, Mary Morgan and her husband, Joseph of York; brothers, Neil Atkinson and his wife, Pauline of Northport, N.Y., Thomas Atkinson and his wife, Chris of Phoenix, Md., and David Atkinson and his wife, Mary Jo of Lincolnwood, Ill. A brother, Anthony Atkinson, is deceased. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Patrick Church, 231 S. Beaver St., York, PA 17401. www.kefferfh.com