FRANCIS FRANCOIS

Francis B. Francois  
Longtime Washingtonian Francis B. Francois passed away on February 17, 2021 in Chicago, IL. Raised on an Iowa farm, Mr. Francois began his career at the U.S. Patent Office in 1956 with a degree in engineering. He studied law and practiced patent and trademark law from 1962-1980 with the firm Bacon and Thomas. In 1962 Frank entered politics in Prince George's County, MD, serving as Judge on the Orphan's Court, County Commissioner, and County Councilman. He represented PG on Metro Council of Governments and Metro Area Transit Authority, among other posts. He was named Washingtonian of the Year in 1973. In 1980 he retired from politics to become Executive Director of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, until his retirement in 1999. A regional and national leader, he worked tirelessly on a variety of issues, including transportation infrastructure, environmental quality, planning and zoning, community investment, and civil rights. He was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 1999.He was predeceased by his beloved wife Eileen, with whom he raised five children in Bowie, MD; Joseph, Marie, Michael, Monica, and Susan. After Eileen's death he moved to Georgetown before relocating to Chicago to be closer to family. He was a proud grandfather to Brendan, Chloe, Alison, Eileen, Elizabeth, Julia, and Ash. The family asks that donations be made to Covenant House DC, a favorite charity of Eileen and Frank, at https://covenanthousedc.org. An online wake service will be held in March. A funeral mass will be held in Bowie, Maryland later in the year. Please view and sign the family's guestbook at www.francois.org.