Francis McGurk

1934 - 2025

Francis McGurk
November 29, 2025
Our beloved husband and devoted father Mr. Francis A. McGurk has "finished his great run" at the age of 91. He passed away peacefully on Saturday evening surrounded by his loving family in the VITAS unit at St. Mary's Hospital. For the last 57 years he has been a wonderful husband to Faith (Brennan) McGurk, and they have resided in Wolcott for most of those years.
Francis is the youngest and last living of the eight children of John and Agnes (Ryan) McGurk and was born on July 14, 1934 in Waterbury. His career was originally in the electrical trade, and then later as a teacher in the state trade schools.
He was truly a jack of all trades and enjoyed completing countless projects around his home, but was also a voracious reader and enjoyed nothing more than being at home, preferably outside, with a good book.
He was a member of the IBEW electrician's union, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and St. Basil Parish in Wolcott.
In his early life he was a stand-out athlete for Sacred Heart High School's New England championship swim team in 1954, earning him All-American honors and a place in Sacred Heart's athletic hall of fame. He continued on as a multi-sport coach and mentor for all 3 of his sons. Fran will be remembered by many for his homespun wit and love of a "good breakfast", but most of all for his quiet generosity. Fran would help anyone in any way he could, and spent countless days and hours assisting family, both close and far, with whatever needed doing.
In addition to his wife Faith, left to carry on his wonderful legacy are his three sons Brian and his wife Diane McGurk of Kailua Kona, Francis and his wife Andrea McGurk of Hamden Connecticut, and Brendan and his wife Amy McGurk of New Canaan Connecticut, his five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
Friends and family are invited to celebrate Francis' life on Friday December 5, 2025, with calling hours beginning at 10:30 a.m. at Woodtick Memorial 420 Woodtick Rd. in Wolcott to 12:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1 p.m. at St. Basil Parish/ St. Pius X Church in Wolcott. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery. Woodtick Memorial is honored to serve the McGurk family, and you may visit www.woodtickmemorial.com for online tributes and more information.