Robert J. Francis

FRANCIS, Robert J. Robert J. Francis, 49, died at Windham Hospital on Sunday (May 27, 2007) as a result of complications from an ATV accident in 2004, which left him a quadriplegic. Born January 1, 1958 in Albany, NY, he was the son of the late Martin and Nancy Francis. He was a 1975 graduate of Roy C. Ketcham High School. Robert entered the Marine Corps. in 1975, achieving the rank of Lance Corporal by the time he left the Corps. in 1979. He specialized in aircraft electronics maintenance. He was the co-owner of Cordless Data Transfer, Inc. and the sole owner of FAST, Inc. On May 17,1986, in Lubbock, TX, he married the former Lisa Rapino. Bob, Lisa, and their two boys Geno and Tim moved to Marlborough in 1992. Since that time Bob dedicated himself to the community, volunteering his time to Cub Scouts as a Den Leader, to MYAL as a basketball and baseball coach and was instrumental in the building and maintenance of three baseball fields in Marlborough. He also volunteered his time to the RHAM Youth Football Program and helped coach the first year of the RHAM High School Football Program. Bob gave a lot of his time with the Marlborough Congregational Church Senior High Youth Group as a volunteer and chaperone for many camping trips and events between 1994 and 2004. There were also many miscellaneous community activities in which Bob donated his time. Bob was a devout New York Yankee fan since he was a child. Bob had a cabin on 52 acres in Ashford, CT and absolutely loved spending weekends there camping with his two sons and friends. He is survived by his wife Lisa, his two sons Tim and Geno and Geno's girlfriend Jessica Hicks of Marlborough. A sister Mary Francis Linge of Poughkeepsie, NY; three brothers and their spouses, Michael and Teresa Francis of Marlborough, Paul and Deborah Francis of Fair Lawn, NJ, and William and Theresa Francis of Poughkeepsie, NY. He is also survived by his mother-in-law Shirley Rapino Semple of Marlborough, his aunt Lois Maglia of CA; his uncle Russell Francescini of RI; several cousins and many loyal and loving friends including the M.Y.A.L. Dinner Club and the Ashford Camping Crew. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by both his paternal and maternal grandparents. A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 2 at 10 a.m. at the Moose Lodge Baseball Field in Marlborough, with the Rev. Gloria McCanna officiating. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. Friends may call at the Spencer Funeral Home, 112 Main St., East Hampton on Friday, June 1 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to RHAM High School Football, 85 Wall St. Hebron, CT, 06248, or Marlborough Youth Athletic League, P.O. Box 124 Marlborough, CT, 06447.