Francis Gerard Taaffe
Francis Gerard Taaffe
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Francis Taaffe Obituary
Fran enjoyed hiking with his friends and visiting National Parks with his family. He had a passion for creative arts that shone through woodworking and assisting his daughter with chalk art. Fran loved helping others through volunteering his time and expertise with search and rescue and the Arthritis Foundation. His biggest passion was spending time with his wife, girls, and grandchildren.
Fran is survived by his loving wife Cara; his daughters Jamie (David) Schwerstein and Kellie (Aaron) Koch his seven grandchildren, Rylan, Hailey, Mackenzie, Cody, and Jordan Koch, and Zachary and Jacob Schwerstein; his mother, Dorothea; and brothers, William (Jean), Michael (Tammy), and Edward. Fran was preceded in death by his daughter Katie Taaffe in 2021; his father Jack; and brother Jackie. Fran was a caring son, loyal brother, loving husband, dedicated father, and proud grandfather. The lessons we learned from Fran and memories we made with him will last forever.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Arthritis Foundation Florida in memory of Fran and Katie Taaffe.
A Visitation is going to be held on Friday, January 3, 2025, from 5 pm to 7 pm at Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel: 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209.
A Funeral Mass with Firefighter Honors will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 9:30 am at Saints Peter & Paul the Apostles Catholic Church: 2850 75th St W, Bradenton, FL 34209.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
David Kemerer
January 13, 2025
I apologize to the family for missing the service, I heard the news of Fran passing to late to attend. I had the pleasure of working with Fran at station 11 and 8 . He was a mentor for me teaching so much of special ops, what the "knothead". He was the firefighters fireman and always be remembered as a brother and missed forever. Now may you Rest in peace.
John Theodora
January 4, 2025
I just heard the news today of Fran´s passing
I went to school with him and it was always a pleasure to interact with Fran. He was a stand up man and a great person. My thoughts and prayers to his family
Judy Shortway
January 4, 2025
We are saddened to hear of Fran´s passing. Though it´s been years since our childhood " Ramsey" days we will always remember Fran as a kind and gentle soul. Losing someone is never easy and our hearts go out to the Taaffe family.
With deepest sympathy,
The Shortway´s
Jack, Jill, Jim, Judy, Jay
Jeff Gohl
January 3, 2025
I first met Fran when the City of Sarasota Fire Department consolidated With the Sarasota County Fire Department. We didn't really see things the same way. He had the county way of doing things and I had the city way of doing things. "Needless to say" (IYKYK), we didn't actually like each other at that time.
After we got to know each other better we became great friends. We met with a small group of friends for breakfast before and after retirement. I worked with Fran for twenty years at Station 8. Fran was part of our hiking group and we had many great adventures together. I still think of those times often.
I will miss you Brother. You left us way too soon. I find some comfort in the fact that you and Cara visited our home not too long ago.
Peace be with your family.
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Ray Roby
January 2, 2025
My deepest condolences to Fran´s family. It was always a pleasure working alongside Fran on the job. Fran was the consummate professional firefighter. Rest in Peace Brother.
Ray Roby
January 2, 2025
My deepest condolences to Fran´s family. It was always a pleasure anytime I worked along side with Fran. He was the consummate professional firefighter. You will be missed, but never forgotten. Rest in Peace Brother.
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604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209
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