Francis Paul "Frank" DeSantis

Francis (Frank) Paul DeSantis, 83, passed away peacefully on February 18th 2026, in his home surrounded by his loving family after battling cancer since 2020.

Frank always had an optimistic, can-do attitude about everything, always with a smile on his face, or a quick joke to put one on yours. He loved his wife and children fiercely and did anything and everything in his power to help them thrive throughout their lives. From life lessons and wisdom to DIY'ing projects and running power tools, Frank loved to teach his children everything he knew. He always put others before himself and touched so many lives with his kind heart. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Frank was born June 6, 1942 in Philadelphia, PA to Marie Teresa LoPresti and Angelo Frank DeSantis.

As a young man, Frank moved to Haverhill, MA, with his mother, stepfather, Archie Ohanian, and sisters. He graduated from St. James High School in 1960. Frank went on with his studies at Merrimack College where he graduated in 1964 with a Bachelor's in Marketing.

He then went on to join the Army National Guard where he achieved a rank of Sergeant. After his years in the Army, Frank worked as a store manager for W.T Grants until their closure, and then went on to work for Frito-Lay, where he spent the majority of his career as a district sales manager. When he retired from Frito-lay he continued to stay active in his later years and found fulfillment working as a driver for Durham schools for children with disabilities.

He loved to be active and completed several marathons and triathlons throughout his life. He met his wife, Nancy, at the Newburyport YMCA while learning to swim in preparation for his first triathlon.

Starting with solo motorcycle adventures, road trips became a lifelong favorite pastime. He brought this joy to his family by taking family trips to Florida, Canada, and all across the USA. In later years, he and Nancy enjoyed trips throughout New England, Acadia National Park, Nova Scotia, and PEI in his Jaguar convertible.

Frank was an advocate for people with disabilities. He joined the DMR back in the 90's, now known as the DDS, a group who works to provide support services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He joined in order to fight for his daughter, Karen, who wanted to move into a group home with friends, so she could have more independence. He accomplished that goal and continued to be a part of the organization for many years after. He eventually received special recognition by Massachusetts State Senate for his efforts.

Through the ups and downs on the journey through cancer, Frank and Nancy always had support and laughter with their monthly game-night friends.

Frank is survived by his wife Nancy, his children Karen, Lesley, David, Ian, and Anthony; his sisters Denise, Marie, Janice, his grandchildren Alyssa, Justine, Katey, Norah, Lacey, and Matthew, and great grandchildren Haley, Callahan, and Nathan.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring, details to follow. Arrangments made by Driscoll Funeral Home, Haverhill. For guestbook, visit www.driscollcares.com