Alan H. Francis

Alan Francis, loving husband to Anna Maria (Ronca), and father to Zachary (Shira), Nicholas, and Aaron Francis, passed away on July, 29, 2022, during his annual summer stay at his family's camp in Brookton, Maine. While enjoying fishing, reading, and relaxing with his mother, Winky, and his dog, Zelda, Alan suffered a blood clot that fatally blocked the blood supply to his small

intestine.

At the time of his passing at Bangor Hospital, Alan was surrounded by his wife and his sons, including his "fourth son", Will, who flew in from Detroit, while en route to his own family's camp in Canada, so that he could be with the family. While never regaining consciousness, the family is certain that Alan heard all the stories being told, felt all the love from his family at his

bedside, and enjoyed hearing songs from his all-time favorite progressive rock band, "RUSH".

Alan was born on March 1, 1964, in Red Bank, New Jersey, to Bill and Winky Francis. He spent most of his childhood in the Whitehall section of Bowie, Maryland. He attended Whitehall Elementary School, Samuel Ogle Junior High School, and graduated in 1982 from Bowie High School. During "Beach Week" following graduation, Alan met the love of his life, and future wife, Anna Maria Ronca in Ocean City, Maryland. Throughout his life, Alan maintained close relationships with friends he made in elementary school and continued those friendships until the end of his life.

As a college freshman, Alan attended Hofstra University in New York. After one year away from family and friends, Alan felt the pull of his DC Metro area "hometown". He transferred to George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in English

degree.

Soon after graduation from GMU, Alan and Anna Maria were married, and moved to Columbia, Missouri, so that Anna Maria could pursue her doctorate in psychology. While in Missouri, they welcomed their first child, Zachary. Upon completion of her degree, the strong pull of "home"

once again drew the couple back to Washington, D.C., where they welcomed twin sons, Nicholas and Aaron. As a "pioneering stay-at-home dad", Alan's care and nurturing included not only his sons, but Will as well. This led to working in the After Care Program at Stoddert Elementary, where eventually Alan taught physical education.

Throughout his career, Alan utilized his creative writing talents while working for Building Owners and Managers Institute (BOMI) in Arnold, Maryland from 1998 to 2007, and for University of Maryland University College (UMUC), [now known as University Maryland Global Campus] from 2007 until his time of death.

Alan's lifelong relationship with creative writing began in his youth and continued, in various forms, throughout his life, including the creation of a pen name/"nom de plume", Nigel Craxton III. Alan's talent for storytelling and his brilliant memory made for hours of enjoyable

reminiscing when in the company of his lifelong friends. If only someone had taken the time to write it all down.

Alan is survived by his wife, and three sons, his mother, "Winky" Francis, his sister, Sam (Gail), his mother-in-law, Lucia Ronca, his brother-in-law, Alfonso (Katie) Ronca, and beloved nieces and nephews.

A non -religious celebration of Alan's life and loves will be held on Saturday, September 17th at 1:00 p.m. at River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation at 6301 River Road Bethesda MD 20817.

A Catholic Mass for the repose of Alan's soul will be held on Saturday, October 22nd at 10:00 A.M. at Holy Rosary Church at 595 3rd Street N.W. 20001.