FRANCIS C. "FRANK" BLESSINGTON

BLESSINGTON, Francis C. "Frank" 60 Year Northeastern University English Professor. Francis C. "Frank" Blessington, a resident of Woburn, passed away peacefully on September 3, at the age of 83. He was the cherished husband of Ann Marie Taylor for 55 years. Born and raised in Dorchester, Frank was the son of the late Francis and Margaret (Divver) Blessington. He graduated from Boston Latin School and earned a B.A. in Mathematics from Boston College, an M.A. in English from Northeastern University, a Ph.D. in English from Brown University, where he completed his dissertation titled, "Paradise Lost and the Rhetoric of Justification," and an M.A. in Classics from Brown University. For more than 60 years, Professor Blessington taught literature and creative writing in the English Department at Northeastern University. He also taught courses in Greek and Latin literature, as well as the Bible. For over thirty years, he pedaled his bicycle to Northeastern from Cambridge and then from Woburn. In addition to being a poet, fiction writer, play writer, and translator of ancient Greek drama, he wrote two books on Milton, "Paradise Lost and the Classical Epic" (Routledge) and "Paradise Lost: Ideal and Tragic Epic: A Student's Companion to the Poem" (Twayne). He had recently completed a collection of poems and a new book on Milton's use of witchcraft motifs throughout his work. A true Renaissance man, Frank traveled extensively throughout the world, drawing inspiration for his personal life, his academic work and his writing. For over 20, he spent summer time in Pujayo, Spain, where he worked on a farm and embraced the local customs and traditions. His weekends here often involved outdoor adventures with his family: hiking, watching birds, visiting museums, trap-shooting or discovering new restaurants. Music was another of his passions, and for many years, he attended Boston Symphony Orchestra concerts and sang with the Reading Community Singers. Frank's greatest love was his family. In addition to his beloved wife, Ann; Frank is survived by his two children, Geoffrey Taylor Blessington and Julia Mary Blessington. His legacy continues through his cherished grandson, James Francis Blessington. Frank was also a beloved brother-in-law to Marie Chiumiento and her husband, John; and dear uncle to Michael Chiumiento, all of Woburn. His favorite poem? Paradise Lost. Second best? Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra, "such beautiful poetry." A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, September 13, at 10 a.m., in the Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home, 263 Main Street, WOBURN. Interment in Calvary Cemetery, Winchester. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to Calling Hours, Friday, September 12, from 4 – 7 p.m., in the funeral home. Donations in his name may be made to the Northeastern University Honors Program. www.lynch-cantillon.com 781-933-0400