May God bless you and your...
A great man that I learned a lot from. Godspeed.
Jay Arasate
May 01, 2025 | Las Vegas, NV | Student
Longmeadow, Massachusetts
Richard "Dick, Dickie"Francis passed away July 15, 2015 at home in Longmeadow, MA. He was born in Boston, MA on March 21, 1933 to the late Norma Mae Pettiford and Ernest Westly Francis and grew up in Roxbury. He attended English High School in Boston, then joined the Army serving during the...
Read MoreA great man that I learned a lot from. Godspeed.
Jay Arasate
May 01, 2025 | Las Vegas, NV | Student
Mr. Francis you are still remembered and I still refer to life lessons you had taught to this day. Reflecting on you today and holding your family in my thoughts also.
Kiesha Foggs
July 17, 2022 | School
I loved Mr. Francis so much as my sixth grade teacher years ago at Birchland Park School in East Longmeadow. I felt like I has won a lottery when I was placed in his class! Rest in peace, Mr Francis. So many children loved you .!!
maryann sharpe
November 11, 2020 | Westfield | Student
Mr. Francis changed my life through the Open Gate program. He opened my eyes to a whole world of adventure, discovery, and learning. I remember the day he came into gym class and brought me out to join the program. At first, I was a little nervous...but then so incredibly honored! The annual Invention Convention was probably my favorite activity. I still remember learning to say and spell the longest word in the English language, which was on a banner in his classroom ...
Meredith (Harper) Higley
September 18, 2015 | Anderson, SC
My sincere condolences to the Francis Family. The testimony from prior students says it all. I was privileged to teach with Dick at Birchland Park. He was a gentleman, a scholar, a true educator. He will be missed. Rest in peace.
Michaelene Kelley
August 01, 2015 | Brimfield, MA
He was an inspiration to my family, as a teacher he was awesome and always showed compassion and he cared. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Lee Edmonds
July 31, 2015 | Springfield, MA
My deepest sympathy to Mr. Francis' family and friends.
Mark Kelley
July 31, 2015 | Springfield, MA
He made a great impression on my life, I will always remember Mr Francis.
Barbara Ahade
July 31, 2015
I worked with Dick in East Longmeadow for many years. He was a pleasant, gentle soul and a wonderful teacher. I am so sad to learn of his passing. My deepest sympathy to his family.
Anita Smith Christopher
July 31, 2015 | Wilbraham, MA