Francois R. "Fran" Charpentier

François R. Charpentier, 87, Francis, or Curly, as he was affectionately known by family, died the evening of Wednesday April 2nd after a prolonged illness. Born in Leominster, MA in 1937, he was the son of Lucien and Marie-Ange Charpentier and has lived in Auburn since 1970 after moving there from Worcester. A Korean War veteran, Francis became a Worcester firefighter in 1963. He retired in 1998 after serving as Deputy Chief of the department for many years. Following his retirement he volunteered at the Notre Dame Long Term Care facility in Worcester. He enjoyed spending time with the residents, taking them to Mass, playing cribbage, and being good company. They affectionately called him the "Popcorn Man." Francis loved the outdoors, camping, sailing on his catamaran, kayaking and playing senior league softball. He was also active in his church Boy Scout troop. As an active member of Saint Joseph Parish in Auburn, he was a lector and Eucharistic minister. Francis will be greatly missed by all. His gentle and happy demeanor and his trademark exclamations of "C'est ce bon," "À votre santé," and "Happy days!" have filled our hearts and lightened all of our days. We love you, Dad!
He leaves behind Venita (Monfils), his loving wife of 67 years; his daughter Lisa Godaire and her husband Raymond of Sutton; his son Daniel, a monk of St. Joseph's Abbey in Spencer; and a daughter Mary Richardson and her husband Charles of Oxford; five grandchildren, Nicole Godaire and her husband Dan Duhn of Charlton; Andrew Godaire of Park City, Utah; Lukas Godaire and his partner Shannon Breslin of Auburn; Shane Richardson of Webster and Bridget Richardson of Oxford. Francis is survived by his eldest brother John of Worcester and his youngest brother David of Sutton. He is predeceased by his sister Denise, and his brothers Roland, Lucien and Richard.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Notre Dame Long Term Care Facility, 555 Plantation St., Worcester, MA, 01605.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the Charpentier family from 4 – 7 PM on Thursday, April 10, 2025 at the BRITTON-WALLACE FUNERAL HOME, 91 Central St., Auburn. His funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 AM on Friday April 11th at St. Joseph's Church, 189 Oxford St. N, Auburn, with burial to follow at Hillside Cemetery, Auburn.