Harry J. Francolini

ANSONIA: Harry J. Francolini, 85, a 55 year Ansonia resident, entered into eternal rest on June 11, 2016 at Bishop Wicke Health Center with family and friends at his bedside. He was the beloved husband of MaryAnn Bilotto Francolini for 58 years.
Mr. Francolini was born in Derby on May 21, 1931, son of the late Harry and Mary Banfe Francolini. He graduated from Derby High School as valedictorian of his class and received a BS degree in Industrial Engineering from Yale University. In addition, he received his Master's Degree from the University of New Haven in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. He served in the United States Army during the Korean conflict. Harry was employed 28 years as an Industrial Engineering Supervisor at Uniroyal Chemical Division in Naugatuck, CT, where he had frequent assignments to factories in other states. He furthered his career as an Industrial Engineering Project Manager at Seymour Specialty Wire and retired from H.G. Caspari as Director of Human Resources. In his commitment to his community, he was elected to the Board of Education, where he served as president for 4 years. He was an active communicant of Holy Rosary Church in various capacities including a member of the parish counsel, lector, Eucharistic Minister, choir member and volunteer at the annual Italian Festival. He had a passion for the arts which included listening and playing music and attending concerts and theatre. He enjoyed travel especially going to Bermuda for many years as well as several European countries, the Canadian Rockies and Alaska. Harry loved food and fine dining and family and friends enjoyed his culinary skills.
He is survived by his daughter Lisa Francolini (Beverly Wells) of Portland, Oregon, his son Mark Francolini (Robert Thomas and his son Winston) of Wilmington, North Carolina, his sister Gloria Trella, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Carol and Daniel Martin, sister-in-law and brother-in- law Pamela and Anthony Bilotto, cousins Geraldine and Joseph Peter, William, Patricia and June Banfe, many nieces, nephews and Godchildren. The family wishes to extend much gratitude and thanks to the entire staff at Bishop Wicke Health Center for their excellent care, kindness and compassion.
Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday June 15, 2016, from 3-7 pm in the chapel of the SPINELLI-RICCIUTI/BEDNAR-OSIECKI FUNERAL HOME, 62 Beaver Street in Ansonia. On Thursday, his funeral will commence at 9:15 am from the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am at Holy Rosary Church in Ansonia. Entombment will follow in Mt. St. Peter Mausoleum in Derby. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Holy Rosary Church, 10 Father Salemi Drive, Ansonia, CT 06401. To send an act of sympathy, please visit www.spinelliricciutifh.com.