John W.N. Francis

So sorry to hear of the passing of John Francis. I met him some years ago through the Compuserve classical music and opera forum/group and enjoyed listening to the lively discussions among them and John's informed opinions in particular. How sad to know that he is gone. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Sylvia Gardner-Wittgenstein, Nee York

I am the daughter of John Gordon Benedict (deceased) and John was a extraordinary friend. I remember so well all the Saturday night suppers with great conversation. He was a wonderful person in my life.

I knew John through our interactions on the classical music board, CMG, for about 8 years altogether. He was always interesting, highly informed and very committed to his arguments. It was difficult budging him from a position when it came to music, but I thoroughly enjoyed all of it and since he is no longer there the pleasure of being on that site is gone.

I was saddened by the news of John's passing and send my condolences to his family.
John was a valuable resource for the Library for many years. He will be missed.

John was a sweet, kind man, committed to all the arts. We knew each other at WHRB, ran into each other occasionally since but renewed our deeper acquaintance at the NY Public Library a couple of years ago. Very sorry to learn of his death.

I had the pleasure of working with John at the Library of the Performing Arts. He cared a great deal about the arts and always took pride in helping others. I will miss our chats at the information desk. RIP SIR.

Every time I go to the CMG site I think of John and how much he taught me over the years-an incredible knowledge of opera, classical, music and so many other subjects. My wife and I met him for dinners and CMG gatherings so many times over the years and before that there was Compuserve-even more dinners there-that's where we first met around 2000. Now I'm thinking about all the discussions we would have between acts at the Met and NYC operas. Here's a photo of me and my wife Sue at the same...

John Francis was a long-time member of www.classicalmusicguide.com, who regularly posted on our web site. Members of "CMG" got together in NYC several times and were able to meet and dine with John. His passing will be a noticeable void on our site; he is already missed by his many friends on our board. May he rest in peace.