Francis Boord

Francis Boord
Francis Paul Boord, "Pat" passed peacefully surrounded by his loving family January 25, 2025 at the age of 82. Pat is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Maryann, his daughter Kelli and husband Mick Odenwaelder, their six children and ten grandchildren, his daughter Beth Anne and her three children, and his daughter Carrianne and husband Steve Del Vecchio and her two daughters.
Prior to retirement at age 52, Pat was an IBM Sales Representative for 27 years He achieved the Golden Circle Award multiple times, which recognizes the top 2% of IBM performers worldwide. He and his wife Maryann served as Co-Directors of the Norwich Mission House in Port au Prince, Haiti, in 1994-1995, where Pat taught at the neighborhood school and ran the food programs for schools sponsored by the Diocese.
In recent years, Pat marveled at the beauty of all living things. He was a beekeeper and shared his love of this pastime with everyone who expressed interest, patiently teaching what he had learned and generously gifting his honey to all. He also enjoyed sharing his love of hunting, fishing and sailing and always had projects around the house and yard to occupy his time. Pat was an active member of the Notre Dame Church community and the Durham community, serving as Treasurer of the Durham Agricultural Fair Association. Pat's genuine interest in whomever he was in conversation with caused him to be loved by all who knew him.
Most notable was Pat's love of his family. Pat supported his wife's many endeavors and his daughters' interests in soft ball, gymnastics, music and horseback riding. He coached Little League for his grandsons and "caught" pitches for his granddaughter for hours. Pat and Maryann attended weekly sporting events for their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren all over the east coast. Pat nurtured and encouraged the gifts and talents manifested in each individual. Grace before meals always ended with, "Let individuality prevail." He loved them all unconditionally and he made sure they knew it, telling each one he was with that they were his "favorite."
A Mass will be held Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Colman Catholic Church, 170 Hubbard St., Middlefield, CT 06455.
Donations in Pat's memory can be made to the Durham Agricultural Fair Association Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 225, Durham, CT 06422.