Francis J. Poniecki

Francis J. Poniecki

AGE: 80 •

Francis J. Poniecki, age 80, went to the lord on December 4, 2015. First born of Rosemarie DellaFera Poniecki, He grew up in Forrest Brook Glen, graduating from Conrad HS '53. As a young man, he worked for his uncle in the tile business, spent countless weekends with his cousins around Little Italy, and joined the Air National Guard. He then enlisted in the Army, eventually sent to peace time missions in Japan, a time he very much enjoyed. He joined Sears at Lea Boulevard where he managed the "floor coverings" department.. Meanwhile, he had met his devoted Dorothy and welcomed baby Denise; four years later, twins Charlene and Marie. Seventeen years later, Dot and Fran celebrated the arrival of Andrea. He and his wife shared a love of gardening. Their garden looked like Longwood Gardens. In addition, Their gardens not only yielded bountiful harvests but nurtured their daughters' appreciation for nature. Fran's involvement at the Church expanded the rectory. He also taught CCD. He had great enjoyed long summer family vacations in Wildwood. With friends from Dartmouth Woods he and Dot went to nite clubs there in the 70s. They also played bridge with friends from the neighborhood for decades. He had supported Delaware Special Olympics and accompanied his granddaughter to Ireland for the International Games. He had advanced knowledge in minerals and earth science and was an integral member of the Delaware Mineralogical Society.

He is survived by four devoted daughters and four men he thanked for loving them, Sam Bagnoli, Jim Maxwell, Allen Wolpert and Imara Crooms. He has three grandchildren who was incredibly proud, Kelly McLain, Andrew Battaglino, and Ian Maxwell. He is also survived by his sisters Angeline Dimedio (Phil), Maryann Cate (Paul), and sister in law Patricia Poniecki, predeceased by his brother Joseph.

Celebration of his life and visitation of family will be Friday evening, 7-9PM at the Pagano Funeral Home, 3711 Foulk Rd, Garnet Valley, PA. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, 11:00AM at the Church of the Holy Child, 2500 Naamans Rd, Wilmington, DE. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The Delaware Mineralogical Society (http://delminsociety.net)