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Francis Golen Obituary
Francis "Fran" Harrington Golen, age 67, of Fairfield, CT, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on March 3, 2025. Fran was born in Holyoke, MA, on January 21, 1958, the same day as his beloved mother. He was the son of the late Dr. Francis R. and Joan (Harrington) Golen. Before relocating to Fairfield, he lived in Malvern, PA, for over 35 years. Fran attended Mater Dolorosa Elementary School and graduated from Holyoke High School in 1976.
Fran earned his B.S. in Biology from Fairfield University, where he met the love of his life, Andrea "Andie" (Sturtevant) Golen. They graduated together in 1980. He earned a second B.S. in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research from UMass Amherst and an advanced management certification from Harvard Business School in 2000. Fran was a proud member of Tau Beta Pi, the National Engineering Honor Society, and Alpha Pi Mu, the National Industrial Engineering Honor Society.
Fran dedicated over 35 years to IBM as a Global Client Executive. He developed business partnerships and managed enterprise relationships throughout his career. He covered multiple sectors, including Communications, Mass Media, Financial Services, and Healthcare.
Above all, Fran was a devoted husband to Andie, to whom he was married for 41 years. Fran was a source of guidance and support for his children, Kevin and Kristen. Nothing was more important to him than being there for his kids, especially cheering them on during their high school and college cross-country races. His love and compassion for others continue to resonate in the many lives he touched.
In addition to his wife, Andie, Fran is survived by his son Kevin and daughter-in-law Jessica (Marzik) of Fairfield, CT; his daughter Kristen (Golen) Wuestman and son-in-law Ryan of Fairfield, CT; and his four beloved grandchildren: Quinn, Dylan, Brayden, and Nolan.
He is also survived by his sister Paula (John) Deglis, his nephew Sean, his niece Jennie, and great-niece Johanna, all from South Hadley, MA; his sister-in-law Susan Sturtevant of Fairfield, CT; and several cousins and close friends.
Fran's family extends their gratitude to the healthcare teams at Memorial Sloan Kettering and St. Vincent's Medical Center.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Lesko Funeral Home, located at 1209 Post Road, Fairfield Center. Following the visitation, a church service will take place at 12:00 p.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Roman Catholic Church, located at 1719 Post Road, Fairfield, CT.
In lieu of flowers, anyone who wishes can make a donation in Fran's memory to Cycle for Survival, Memorial Sloan Kettering's official rare cancer fundraiser: http://mskcc.convio.net/goto/InLovingMemoryofFrancisGolen.
For travel directions or to leave an online condolence for Francis, please visit www.LeskoFuneralHome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Francis Golen
Sponsored by Lesko Funeral Home, Preplanning, and Cremation Services - Fairfield.
Jack Guerci
March 17, 2025
It is with much sadness that I write this. I was lucky to have worked with Fran at IBM and he was a special person. He was the person people describe as Work hard and Play hard. Last I saw him was at his retirement lunch several years ago. He was a special person to my family because over 30 years ago he was a blood donor to my 5 month old son who had a major operation and Fran not only was very supportive but he donated his very rare O negative blood to my son.
My family is connected to him forever. So every year we celebrate Frans gift to my son. As I said he was special. My sincere condolences to his family and the many people he helped make their life better. God Bless
K. Kelley
March 17, 2025
Fran was one of the best Client Reps I ever worked with at IBM. We worked together on an insurance account. He was an impeccable professional, well respected by his clients and IBM peers, and a pleasure to work with. I always looked forward to seeing him when I came to Philly. My condolences to Fran's family and friends.
Leon Barnaby
March 16, 2025
To Kevin, Jessica & the Entire Golen Family. My Condolences on the passing of your Dad. In the short time that I knew him, I always enjoyed our conversations & his Love for his Family was so apparent! I really enjoyed hearing about his last Disney Trip with his grandchildren! God Bless!
Jo-Ann Meehan Barrett
March 14, 2025
To Franny´s family ~May you find the strength to endure this difficult time. Franny was a special guy, knew him since grammar school ~ gone to soon~
Joanne Miller-Murphy
March 13, 2025
I went to high school with Franny. We worked together one summer at the Holyoke Parks and Rec. Many years later we ran into each other at IBM in Hartford. It was such a wonderful surprise to see him there. He is one of those people who made a profound impact on me!
Larry Pastor
March 12, 2025
Fran was a good man, friend and tremendous co-worker to all at IBM. I was fortunate to work closely with him for many years in Philly and he was a critical member of my team. He strived for excellence in everything he did and always made a positive impact.
My sincere condolences to his wonderful family and his many friends.
Paula Bosley
March 12, 2025
I worked with Fran at IBM and enjoyed every interaction we had. He ALWAYS had a smile on his face, and was fun, fun-loving, and upbeat. I saw him last at an indoor track meet at PSU - a freezing cold day in Happy Valley. I loved seeing him. My sincerest condolences to his entire family. He was a great person.
Robert Connon
March 11, 2025
I remember having Fran as a student at MD´s he was such a great student. May he rest in peace , and may his family also find peace.
Martha Roe Mulcahy
March 11, 2025
Paula, I'm very sorry for your loss. Keeping you in my thoughts.
The Staff of Lesko-Polke Funeral Home
March 10, 2025
Offering our sympathies at this time.
Bill Greaney Class of `76
March 9, 2025
Rest in Peace Fran! Gone too soon!
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