Francis Richard Shottes

FRANCIS RICHARD SHOTTES Francis Richard Shottes, 79, died July 13, 2008 after a brief illness. He was born November 15th, 1928 in North Andover, MA, a son of Frank and Mary Elizabeth (Graham) Shottes. Fran Shottes was the Founder and President of SISCORP, a Washington DC- based government relations firm with expertise in defense, biomedical research, telecommunications, and cutting-edge technology. He was known for his ability to develop relationships based on trust and mutual respect and enjoyed close working relationships with senior-level policy makers, key congressional staff and top Executive Branch officials. Prior to his founding of SISCORP in 1987, he was Director of Marketing for AVCO Systems Division (Textron) where, among other achievements, he played a key role in securing the $7 billion MX missile program. "Fran was a wonderful friend and was dedicated to helping the Defense Department and the Nation get the best capability for the future" according to the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, the Honorable John Young. Although an accomplished businessman, Francis Shottes was first and foremost a family man who cared for and loved his large, extended family. At family parties, Fran's main concern was that everyone present have a good time with plenty to eat and drink. Among his greatest pleasures were playing in the water with his children and grandchildren at his beloved Big Island Pond in Derry, New Hampshire and walking the wide, sandy beaches near his Florida home. Fran Shottes was truly larger than life, known for his gregarious nature, his generous spirit and his fun-loving ways. He is survived by the love of his life, Judith (Tofuri) Shottes, and ten children; Thelma Regan and her husband Michael, Debra Thompson and her husband Eustace, Karen Vitale and her fiancé Jimmy Odell, Susan Bailey, Andrea Frounjian and her husband Mark, Nancy Robertson, Michael Shottes and his wife, Denise, Jennifer Shottes, Eric Shottes, and Beth Ratliff and her husband, Duane; sister Mary (Shottes) Correia; mother-in-law, Georgianna Tofuri; 36 grand children and many great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins. He was predeceased by his brother, Jack Shottes. Family and friends may call on Wednesday, July 16, 2008 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Cataudella Funeral Home, 126 Pleasant Valley St., Methuen, MA 01844 . A funeral Mass be held on Thursday, July 17, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. in St. Michael's Church, 196 Main St ., North Andover , MA 01845. A Burial will follow at the Elmwood Cemetery in Methuen, MA. Memorial contributions may be made in Fran's memory to the American Heart Association, 20 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701. Please visit our online guestbook at www.cataudellafh.com.