Francis Worden

Francis Xavier Worden "Frank" CORNELIUS - Francis Xavier Worden, "Frank", 80, of Cornelius passed peacefully Feb. 19, 2014, at his residence, surrounded by loved ones. Frank will be greatly missed, and left to cherish his memory is his wife of 55 years, Muriel Robinson Worden; his three children, Lynn Worden Franchak of Mt Pleasant, S.C.; Michael Worden and wife Penny Clark Worden of Richmond Hill, Ga.; and Maureen Ann Worden, of Cornelius; and grandchildren Alexander, Alyssa, and Arianna Franchak, of Mt Pleasant, S.C.; Tiffany and Michael Worden, of Winston Salem; Amanda and Rachel Worden of Richmond Hill, Ga.; and great-granddaughter, Charlotte Worden, of Winston Salem. He was preceded in death by his eldest son, Thomas William Worden, in 2009; and they are now reunited in heaven. He is also survived by his brother Leo Worden, of North Dartmouth, Mass.; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother Vincent Worden, of Mattapoisett, Mass. He was born on Sept. 2, 1933, in New Bedford, Mass. to the late William James Worden, and Mary O'Rourke Worden. He graduated from New Bedford High School, New Bedford Mass.; and the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth; where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Textile Chemistry, and was president of his class, and a member of the Delta Kappa Phi fraternity. He received his Masters Degree in Hygiene from the School of Public Health at the University of Pittsburgh while attending on a fellowship from the US Atomic Energy Commission. He later attended the PhD program in Occupational Safety and Health at New York University. He also served as an instructor at New York University in the School of Public Health. He proudly served in the United States Army from 1956 to 1958 as a member of the Scientific and Professional Personnel Team, assigned by Massachusetts Senator John F. Kennedy. During his 31 year career at Western Electric, Inc., he worked in the Corporate Medical Department in Allentown, Pa.; New York, N.Y.; Greensboro; Liberty Corner, N.J.; Morristown, N.J.; and Winston Salem, where his expertise was in the area of Occupational Safety and Health. He published numerous findings and articles in nationally recognized industry journals and other publications. Following his retirement, Frank's greatest joy was traveling, and spending time with his family. The family would like to thank Hospice and Palliative Care of Lake Norman for their compassion and care of our beloved husband, dad, and grandpa. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care Charlotte Region at www.donatehospice.org. Please join the family for visitation from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m., with a prayer service at 5 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 23, 2014, at James Funeral Home 10520 Arahova Dr. Huntersville, NC. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, Feb. 24, 2014, at 11 a.m., at Saint Mark Catholic Church, 14740 Stumptown Rd., Huntersville, NC 28078. Condolences may be made at www.jamesfuneralhomeLKN.com.