Francis R. Danaher

Francis R. Danaher passed away surrounded by family and friends on September 26, 2014 after a brief illness. Son of the late Francis and Dorothy (Foell) Danaher, he was born and raised in Meriden, CT. He was a graduate of St. Michael's College and the University of Hartford and was serving as the Director of Emergency Planning for the City of Harford when he retired after 25 years. A resident of Hebron, CT for over 40 years, he served on the Board of Education for eight years. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, June; his children, Heather, Breer and Matthew (and their spouses), Paul Etzel, Johanna and Laura; his brothers, Terry, Patrick, and Kenan (and their wives), Loretta, Terry and Anne; and his sister, Alannah and her husband, George. Most special to him were his granddaughters, Kaylee, Emily, Leah and Katie, who were a constant source of joy. His greatest passions were boating and traveling, and he was an avid reader of history. He was able to fulfill his dreams of traveling to many parts of the world and spent a lot of time cruising the coast of New England and the canals of France. When home, he was busy with gardening, boating and visiting with family and friends. He was a larger than life figure to all of us and will be sorely missed as the best husband, Dad, friend and Grampa. The family would like to thank all the many friends and neighbors who supported us during this trying time, and to recognize the extraordinary and compassionate care given by the medical and nursing staff at Lawrence and Memorial Hospital in New London, CT. Thank you one and all. There will be a private celebration of Sancy's life. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the L + M Cancer Center Campaign Fund for Research, c/o DevelopmentOffice, 365 Montauk Ave., New London, CT 06320. Care of arrangements has been entrusted to the Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home of Colchester. www.auroramccarthyfuneralhome.com