Francis A. Franco Formerly Of Townsend

TOWNSEND: Francis A. "Frank" Franco, 78, a longtime resident of West Townsend and Dighton, MA, more recently of Brookline, NH. Peacefully passed away on October 23, 2025, at Southern New Hampshire Medical Center in Nashua, NH, following a long two-and-a-half-year battle with cancer and other health complications.
Frank was born in Cambridge, MA, on October 12, 1947, a son of Francis and Catherine A. (MacNeill) Franco, and grew up in Cambridge and Arlington, MA.
Prior to his 2009 retirement, Frank worked as a mechanic for several area firms, including Allied Systems, NuCar Carriers, and Pepsi, all in Ayer, MA.
He loved spending time on the water, working with his hands, and building nearly anything he set his mind to. Weekends were never without a project, and he especially cherished time with his children and grandchildren. There was little he could not do, and he found joy in simple pleasures - like hopping in the car and going for a drive.
He leaves his wife of 41 years, Cecile D. (Wilson) Franco; his son and daughter-in-law, Matthew and Jennifer Franco of Chelmsford, MA; and five daughters, Angela Butler–Franco and her husband, Daniel, of Stoneham, MA, Michelle Meltzer and her husband, Eric of Fryeburg, ME, Melissa Drolet and her husband, Christopher of Dade City, FL, Marci Obringer and her husband, Paul, of Woodward, OK, Mandi Sue Bleau and her husband, Normand, of Brookline, NH; eight grandchildren, Erin Meltzer, Rachel Meltzer, Emily Wilson, Kaylie Rucker, Zachary Boudreau, Samantha Bleau, Alexander Butler-Franco and Evelina Butler-Franco. He also leaves behind his loyal dog, Lucky, the last of many dogs who brought him joy throughout his life.
Frank was the brother of the late John Franco, Daniel Franco, Margaret J. Franco, Pauline J. Franco, and Catherine A. Dane.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to St. Jude’s Medical Center.
Frank's family will receive relatives and friends at calling hours, 4-7 PM, Monday, November 3, 2025, at Anderson Funeral Home, 250 Main Street (Rte 119), Townsend Center.
His funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, in the funeral home.