Francis J. Cain

Naples, FL and Potomac, MD - CAIN, Francis J. of Naples, FL and Potomac MD. Frank passed unexpectedly on July 22, 2019 at the age of 85. Frank is the beloved husband of 60 years of Barbara (Cloherty), devoted father of Richard, daughter-in-law Sherry, Ormond Beach, FL and of Sean, Ashburn, VA and loving grandfather of Logan and Gavin. He will be missed by his sorrowing family, by former colleagues and a wide circle of friends.

Frank was born on July 21,1934 in New York, NY. He spent part of his childhood years in Thomastown, County Kilkenny, Ireland, the home of his dear mother, Bridie Mullins. He met Barbara on St. Patrick's Day in New York, 1956 and they were married 1959. They have lived in Indiana, Germany, New Jersey, California, Florida, London, UK, and Maryland. They've also raised two sons, Richard and Sean and have two grandsons, Logan and Gavin.

Frank was a proud graduate of Manhattan College of Engineering (Civil) in 1956 and a Master's Degree at Lehigh University in 1958. Frank worked as a civil engineer and manager with Bechtel Corporation for thirty-two years, starting his career in the Refinery and Chemical Division, then moving on to the Hydro and Chemical Facilities. Frank headed up the Waste to Energy Business Line in the 1980's helping to secure several very large projects for the company during that decade. Frank later rose to the rank of Senior Vice President and directed many national and international projects (including the SEMASS project, Channel Tunnel and the Shoaiba desalination project in Saudi Arabia. Frank transitioned to Bechtel Enterprises and expanded Bechtel's presence in the privatized power market. He also led the effort to organize a new pipeline development company

Frank founded the Friends of the Pontifical Irish College Rome, a charity that supported the formation of priests for Ireland and beyond. In recognition of this work, he was appointed a Knight of St. Sylvester by Pope Benedict XVI.

Frank was active with St. William's Catholic Church in Naples as well as many charities in the community where he and his wife Barbara had retired.

Visiting hours will be held at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Potomac, MD. on Monday, August 5, 2019 at 10am. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11am in the church. Interment to follow at Gate of Heaven cemetery in Silver Spring, MD.

Donations can be made in Frank's name to Manhattan College, St. William's Catholic Church in Naples, FL. or Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Potomac, MD. For online condolences, please visit www.fullernaples.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Naples Daily News on Jul. 31, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Francis Cain

21 Entries

Keith Mazur

August 6, 2019

I worked for Frank Cain for 10 years - give or take - in Gaithersburg, Maryland, in the 80's and 90's. Frank Cain was like George Patton to his little waste-to-energy army. He liked young people with spirit, and he appreciated graybeards with new ideas. Frank demanded quality and hustle. We loved Frank's quick laugh, and we hated his frown. If his capo's ignored Frank's way; there was a short trip waiting from the penthouse to the outhouse.

Frank Cain loved a good fight. He was always looking for one. He fought old ideas and greedy business partners. He fought the Power Division bureaucracy for people and methods. He never hesitated going to bat for his crew. No one else put himself on the line for his crew like Frank Cain.

It's hard to put into words how much Frank affected my own life. But he did. And I will always remember him as a mentor and father figure. My wife Pat and I send our sympathy and good will to his family and friends. I know Frank would want everyone to laugh at the wake, and be joyful that we were able to share this complicated person in our lives.

Keith and Pat Mazur

Channel Tunnel Opening Ceremony

August 4, 2019

I remember Frank so well from my early days at 62 First Street in SF working in R&C. He was so happy go lucky. A real Irish leprechaun. Much later we worked together on the Channel Tunnel in the 90s when Frank took over from John Neerhout as Project Chief Executive of Eurotunnel. Frank led us through some tough times dealing with TML and getting the tunnel completed, up and running. Alastair Morton dubbed our group: "a bunch of angry hornets" from which grew The Angry Hornet's Club. I still have the necktie! I was so very saddened to learn of his passing, but will treasure these memories forever. We have lost a real gentleman and a fine human being. Really one-of-a-kind.
My most sincere condolences to Barbara, Richard, Sean and their families.
Bob McDermott

August 3, 2019

To Barbara, Richard and Sean

Christine and I have been remembering and retelling the stories we have about Frank. He and Barbara were always terrific to be around. Frank's perspective on life often provided a view and solutions that would have otherwise been missed. I will miss him and his genuine sense of humor for the rest of my days.

Cliff Mumm

Robert Pollak

August 2, 2019

I want to add my condolences to Frank's family and friends.
I often wondered about Frank's path through life-now I know and am happy he had a productive and relatively long life.
We worked at Bechtel in 1968 on a project and remember him as good humored and quick to laugh.with a wonderful people=oriented personality.
I'm sure he went to where all good people go at the end of life. May he rest in peace.

August 2, 2019

Everybody should have a Frank Cain in their life; I can tell you first hand it is a blessing. he defined true friendship. Once Frank was in your life , you had a guardian angel. Best thing Frank ever did was marry
that Cloherty lass, a match made in heaven and the only individual to keep him in tow.
I am proud to say he was my friend--he is sorely missed. Can't believe that phone call from Frank is not coming any more.

Terry Farley

Jim Henschel

August 1, 2019

He was a good friend and mentor. I will miss him greatly. May he rest in peace.

August 1, 2019

fjohn reinke (mc1968)

July 31, 2019

The Manhattan College alumni community shares the grief, and is now praying for our fellow alumni and the family at this time. The Alumni Office has been informed. As well as the Jasper Jottings community that I personally can reach. We are all a little poorer now. "No man is an island, entire of itself ... any mans death diminishes me". We are sorry for your loss.

July 30, 2019

To Barbara Richard and Sean our deepest sympathies from Siobhan and Tom Mullins.

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