Edward J. Francis

Edward J. Francis, affectionately known to most as Pop Pop, passed away at home on May 5, 2025. He was 95.
Edward was born in Trenton before moving to Lawrence Township where he worked and resided the majority of his life. After retirement, he moved to Hamilton where he spent his final years. Edward attended St. Hedwig's Elementary School and Trenton Catholic Boys High School, where he was a cheerleader (so that he could attend all of the sporting events and games for free). After graduating from high school, he joined the navy. He was a proud Korean War veteran serving on the USS Mississippi AG-128. After returning from the navy, he was a printer by trade but ultimately retired from Lawrence Intermediate School where he was the head custodian for 32 years.
Edward had crystal blue eyes you could never forget and made friends with everyone he encountered. He loved hanging out with his grandchildren who "made him feel young". He enjoyed vodka on ice in a martini glass and Irish coffees. He liked to laugh and made everything fun. He was a big Frank Sinatra fan and loved listening to music, especially records. He liked to dance and dress "sharp". He liked to watch "spooky" movies around Halloween, was captivated by survival shows, and was a New York Giants fan despite how bad they were. He was one of a kind. A true legend. He has left his family with countless memories that will be passed on and told for many generations to come.
Predeceased by his wife, Margaret Francis; daughter, Kathleen Francis; parents, Edward and Stephanie Francis; sisters, Dolores (Thomas) Messina and Arlene Adams; son-in-law, John Mulryne; niece, Lynda Messina; and grandson, John A. Mulryne.
Survived by his daughter, Peggy Mulryne; son, Edward Francis and daughter-in-law, Terri; grandchildren, Annette Schwartz (Joe), Raymond Collins (Mindy), Jason Collins (Cindy), Renee Kalinowski (David), Stephanie Mulryne (Mark), Sara Mulryne, Edward Francis (Lauren), Russ Francis (Nichole) and Scott Francis (Kristie); great-grandchildren, Hannah Schwartz, Arianna, Chloe and Kaleigh Collins, Delaney and Jenna Collins, Mira Kalinowski, Eddie and Colin Francis, Joey Picone and Juliette Francis, and Sawyer Francis; aunt, Mary Rauth; nephews, Anthony (Kim), Larry, Thomas and Eddie Messina, and Vincent Adams; and great-niece, Rachel Messina.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, May 12, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, 3816 East State St. Extension, Hamilton, NJ 08619.
Visitation for family and friends will be held on Monday, March 12, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. at Our Lady of Sorrows Church.
Interment will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in Hamilton, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Edward's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital by visiting In Memory Of at inmemof.org.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Saul Colonial Home, 3795 Nottingham Way, Hamilton Square, NJ.