Francis W. "Shotgun" Seastrand

Francis W. Shotgun Seastrand, 81, passed away after a short illness, July 2 at Tufts Medical Center. Born in Norwood Hospital, Shotgun was a lifelong resident of Norwood. Shotgun was a son of the late John and Helen (Murphy) Seastrand. Shotgun attended Norwood Public Schools and graduated from Norwood High School in 1947. While attending the high school Shotguns accomplishments on football, hockey and baseball teams were becoming legendary. He was a three sport captain who led by example. He was very modest whenever people spoke about him. He was elected into the Norwood Hall of Fame. Upon graduation Shotgun signed with the Boston Braves, playing at Owensboro, KY, Dayton, Ohio and Wellesville, NY. In 1951 during the Korean war Shotgun entered the U.S. Marines. While serving in the Marines Shotgun played for the Camp Lejeune Marines and later for the Quantico Marine baseball teams. One of his closest friends and teammate was the late Harry Agganis. Shotgun said he was a better human being than an athlete which is a great tribute to |his friend. Upon discharge, he signed to play for the New York Rangers minor league affiliate the Lynn Pics and the Berlin Maroons. He also played for the Norwood Mercs Hockey club. After stints in professional sports and the Marines, Shotgun settled down, and opened a fence company. He would work for many companies installing their products while also tending to his own business. He loved the physical work and would not use the modern post diggers, preferring to dig the holes by hand. Shotgun built a vacation home in York Beach, ME, which all his family enjoyed with him. He was a very generous man who began a tradition for his family, every summer they would gather for a weekend where many memories became part of their lives. Shotgun is survived by a sister Marion Lewis of Milton and the late John Seastrand, Helen Eysie and Cornelius Connie Seastrand. Cousin of Christine Goodrich of Walpole and dear friend of Kay Grafton of Dedham. Also survived by several loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and friends. Funeral was held from the Gillooly Funeral Home, 126 Walpole St., (Rte. 1A) Norwood, Thursday, July 7 at 9 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian burial at St. Catherine of Siena, Norwood at 10 a.m. Interment Highland Cemetery, Norwood. The family received visitors at the funeral home, Wednesday July 6, 4 | 8 p.m. Donations in Shotgun's memory may be made to the Matt Brown Brownie Points, P.O. Box 398, Norwood, MA 02062.