Francis J. Trainor

WORCESTER: Francis J. Trainor age 91, a loyal,  dedicated, caring, and compassionate man passed away on April 28, 2024 peacefully at home with his family at his side. Born on February 11, 1933, in Worcester, son of the late Bernard and Elizabeth (Malone) Trainor. Francis leaves behind a legacy of excellence in friendship, education, community service, and coaching.

 

He performed countless hours of community service at many locations including Holy Rosary Church, Worcester Public Elementary Schools, The Mercy Center, and St Johns High School. Fran has been labeled " a legend and a Pillar, " by friends,  neighbors, former students, athletes, and acquaintances. Fran was a pure and gentle man who touched and impacted  many people. He was known for his smile, his kindness, his quiet wit, his humble but hearty handshake, his stories, followed by a compliment, ending with an embrace, and best wishes.

 
 Francis attended St John’s High School on Temple St. where he was later employed for over 20 years. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Education from Fitchburg State College, followed by a Master of Science in Education from Worcester State College. He began his career as an Industrial Art Teacher at Hudson High School, Grafton Street Junior High School, and retired from Burncoat High School.
 
 Beyond his professional accomplishments, Francis served honorably in the U.S. Army and later in the US Army Reserves. He obtained his pilot's license and flew his Piper Cub plane. He was also passionate about various hobbies and interests, including photography, gardening, woodworking, traveling, Cape Cod visits, and embracing his Irish Heritage. The highlight of his day was spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.  He probably attended more athletic events than any person in the City of Worcester.
 
 Among his proudest accomplishments were receiving the City of Worcester Key twice for Dedicated Service in the Community of Worcester, the  Emerald Club Service Award, The Mercy Center Service Award, Burncoat High School Hall of Fame,  Massachusetts Assistant Coach of the Year for football, the Worcester Public Schools Hall of Fame, and receiving the Friend of Education Award from the Education Association of Worcester.
 
 Francis is survived by his daughter in law Alicia Trainor, a daughter Sharon Trainor Zenevitch, sons Jim Trainor (Pam), Brian Trainor (Lisa),  sister Mary Cannon, grandchildren Laura Trainor, Eric (Ashley) Trainor, Ryan Zenevitch (Liz), Dan Zenevitch (Katie), Liz Zenevitch, and great grandchildren Owen Trainor and Leo Zenevitch. He is predeceased by his beloved wife Mary Jane (Grady) Trainor, his son John  Trainor, his brother John Trainor, and his companion and friend Lee O'Leary.
 
 At the time of his passing, Francis J. Trainor was surrounded by his loving family and friends who will continue to honor his memory for years to come. His dedication to supporting humanity and fostering care and compassion will be forever cherished by those whose lives he touched. May he rest in peace knowing that he made a lasting impact on the community he loved so dearly.
 
 Visitation will be held on Friday, May 3 from 4:00-7:00 PM in Callahan, Fay & Caswell Life Celebration Home, 61 Myrtle Street, Worcester.  The funeral will be held on Saturday, May 4th at 10:00 AM in Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 25 Fales Street, Worcester.  Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery, Lancaster.  In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to St. John's Church Food Pantry, 40 Temple Street, Worcester, MA 01604