Chicopee, Massachusetts
Jan 21, 1932 – Nov 26, 2019 (Age 87)
Francis T. Hurst, 87, passed away on Tuesday, November 26, 2019, at Baystate Medical Center with his family by his side. Born on January 21, 1932, Fran was the son of the late Francis and Kathryn (Gloster) Hurst. He was a resident of Chicopee his entire life and a 1949 graduate of Chicopee High School.
After 27 years of service, Fran retired in 1999 from the City of Chicopee as Supervisor of the Central Maintenance Garage. Prior to this, his career included working 23 years in Fleet Management at the Springfield Newspapers and as a Truck Specialist with Kossick Ford.
Fran loved auto racing, classic aircraft, power boats, water skiing, summer cruise nights and camping at Lake George, NY and Maine. The Breakfast Club at Russ’ Restaurant was the start of his day. He was a past President and Director of the Chicopee Credit Union. He was also a long-standing member of the Pioneer Valley Water Ski Club where he and his family enjoyed boating on the Connecticut River.
He is survived by his wife and best friend of 64 years, Hermine (Jette) Hurst and their three children; sons Dan and his wife Cheryl of Rochester, NY, Eric and his wife Marie of Grayson GA, and daughter Jackie Gardell of Middletown, CT, as well as his sister, Kathryn Matys, of Holyoke, MA. Fran also leaves eight loving grandchildren: Jeffrey, Michael, and Steven Hurst, Erin and Sabrina Gardell, and Elena, Sabrina and Sydney Hurst. In addition to his parents, Fran was predeceased by his two brothers, Thomas and Edward. Calling hours for Fran will be held on Friday, November 29, 2019 from 4:00-7:00 PM at the Corridan Funeral Home, 333 Springfield Street, Chicopee. His funeral will be Saturday, November 30, beginning at 9 AM at the funeral home, with a mass to be held at 10 AM, in St. Joseph’s Chapel, on the campus of Elms College, with burial to follow in St. Patrick's Cemetery in Chicopee. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
The family would like to thank Dr. James Hession and his staff for their many years of care and kindness. We would also like to thank the staff at Baystate Medical Center for their amazing care, compassion and deep respect he was shown during all of his illnesses.
Dear Hermine,
I am so sorry for your loss of your best friend. I an TED and ANN LAPLANTE'S daughter CHERYL. I am happy to hear that he lived a long and adventurous life. I now my Dad and FRAN were dear friends and you also with both my parents.
Cheryl Lapante
December 20, 2019 | South Daytona, FL
Uncle Franny is now with my Dad; in the light...like this candle...Neice and Cousin Lori
December 02, 2019
Sadly I didn't know Uncle Franny was sick. Auntie Hermine, Danny, Jackie, Eric and your children please accept my condolences, thoughts and prayers Lori
Lori (Hurst) Fontana
December 02, 2019 | North Granby, CT
Dear Hermine, Dan and family,
What a wonderful life. It'll be hard for future generations to duplicate what our father's set forth for us. The proverbial mold was thrown out when Francis walked this earth. We can truly say that they don't make them like they used to. Your father had many gifts and he used them for his family, at work and recreation. I always new of his mechanical talents, but the water skiing surprised me. At least you don't break legs like snow skiing. I would...
Louis Taloumis
November 29, 2019 | Colorado Springs, CO
Pastel Peace Basket
a loved one
November 29, 2019
Dear Hermine may God be with you and your family at this sad time.
November 29, 2019
Dear Jette and Frans' family,
We are so saddened to hear of the loss of Fran. He and my dad were great years for many years. The friendships of their generation are truely one of a kind, enduring and sincere in every way.
He will be missed by friends and family alike.
Our prayers are with you at this celebration of his life.
Sincerely,
The Ron Zimmerman Family- Peg, Ron(son),Ellen, Carol, Meg, Mary Lou, and Anne.
November 29, 2019
Dear Jette and all of Frans' family,
We are so saddened to hear of your loss. Fran and my dad were dear friends for many, many years. Friendships that their generation had were enduring and truly one of a kind!Fran was a special and one of a kind great guy. He will be missed by many. Our deepest sympathy to you all.
Much Love,
The Zimmerman Family (E. Longmeadow)- Peg, Ron(son),Ellen, Meg, Carol, Mary Lou and Anne.
November 29, 2019
Dan and Family,
So sorry to hear about the passing of your Dad. I remember him from gymnastics many years ago. He sure did live a full life. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Our loved ones will live on through our memories and in our hearts.
Laurie Provost
November 29, 2019 | Agawam, MA