William Francisco Jr.

1933 - 2019

BORN

1933

DIED

2019

About

Amherst College Wesleyan University

William Francisco Obituary

Francisco Jr., William
William H. Francisco Jr., 86 died on November 21, 2019. He died peacefully after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease at The Jewish Healthcare Center in Worcester, MA. Born on July 15, 1933 in Middletown, CT, he was the son of William H. Francisco Sr. and Isabelle Annino Francisco.
He graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School, received a B.A. from Amherst College, a Master's Degree from Yale and a Master's Degree from Wesleyan University. William went to New York after Yale where his TV work included directing The Guiding Light as well as documentaries for all the three major networks including PBS.
After leaving New York, William began his career at Wesleyan University as well as directing stage productions in all major cities in the country. Much of his work focused on Opera production in San Francisco, Denver and Southern California, eventually settling as a tenured Drama professor at his beloved Wesleyan University. He was often most proud of his influence on his students including Lin Manuel Miranda, Bradley Whitford, and many others.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his beloved brother Robert Francisco. William is survived by his nephew Aaron Francisco and his wife Jennifer and their daughter's Aaryanna and Natassja; two nieces Rebecca St. Amand and her husband John and Rachel McDonnell and her husband Kevin and their daughter Fiona; three nephews Jason Francisco, Peter Elliot and James Liebowitz and his wife Robin and a sister-in-law Judy Francisco.
He was an avid artist, self-taught musician, animal lover, and a passionate collector of teddy bears.
"Billy, you're the most interesting man I have ever met"
A private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations in William's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association Connecticut Chapter, 200 Executive Boulevard, Suite 4B, Southington, CT 06489-1058. To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Middletown Press on Dec. 2, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for William Francisco

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4 Entries

Barrie Milton

January 2, 2020

Have only been told of Bill's passing last evening. I am deeply saddened for I recalled another New Year's Day years ago. I'd known Bill in NY in the 'salad days' of the late 50's/early 60's. I remember his unyielding love for dear Bree and the heartbreak of her loss. I hope they are together now. In peace and freedom.

Our paths divided and I'd seldom seen Bill in the intervening years. He was a bright light and I have--and will continue to--kept that beacon close to my heart.

Mary Tao

December 5, 2019

I never met Bill but wish to offer my sympathy at his passing. One of his students has given joy and hope to so many. In a way, his legacy is Bill's legacy too. Saying a prayer for him and hoping for peace at this difficult time for his family.

Jehan Manekshaw

December 3, 2019

Thank you for my directing classes.

Thank you for teaching me so much about theatre and setting me on this course for life.

Thank you for your temper, that got us learning a hell of a lot quicker than any mollycoddling could ever had done. You never did it without love.

Thank you for Oleanna, for Bent, for Nixon apologizes to the Nation, for Little Murders, for the little opera whose name escapes me.

Thank you for making sure I didn't remain cerebral, but got into the doing of things.

You gave me a work ethic, standards to aspire to, and a stubbornness for getting things right, being about the thing, first and foremost.

I'll drink a martini in your name soon.

Much Love,

Jehan