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Francis Victor Obituary
He was born in Stambaugh, Mich., on April 3, 1927, the son of Waddick and Lydia Richard Pucylowski.
He married Dorothy Reilly on May 29, 1954, in Philadelphia, Pa.
Capt. Victor graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in the class of 1952. During his Naval career he served on the submarines Grenadier, Sea Wolf, was the executive officer on the Tecumseh and was the CO of the Tinosa. He also had been the OIC of NUSC both in New London and Newport, retiring in 1979.
After his retirement from the Navy he worked as a nuclear testing regulator at Sonalyst in Waterford.
He was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Gales Ferry and served as a Eucaristic Minister and on the finance committee. He was a volunteer financial counselor at the Groton Senior Center, an avid traveler and skier.
Besides his wife, he is survived by his children, Karen Paradiso of Carmel, Ind., Paul Victor and his wife, Vivian, of Shaker Heights, Ohio, Susan Cordeiro and her husband, Arsenio, of Groton, Kathy and her husband, Butch Griswold, of Groton, Beth Nohara and her husband, Steven, of Ledyard, and Stephen Victor of West Hartford; a brother, Paul Victor and sister, Ruth Shields, both of Michigan; and grandchildren, Krista, Nichole, Nathanial, Julia, Amanda, Katrina, Brittny, Curtis, Daniel, Timothy, and Jennifer.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Rte. 12, Gales Ferry. Interment with Military Honors will be in Gales Ferry Cemetery.
Visiting hours will be on Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Church.
Donations in his memory may be directed to Eastern Connecticut Hematology and Oncology, 330 Washington St., Suite 220, Norwich CT 06350 or the Lymphoma and Leukemia Society, Donor Services, PO Box 4072, Pittsfield MA 01202.
Please visit www.byles.com for online obituary, directions, or to send a condolence note to the family. Byles-Groton Memorial Home is in charge of arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Francis Victor
Dave Fairman
April 17, 2025
Rest in Peace. Appreciated your judgement regarding my transfer to Charleston, Sc. Greatly appreciated,!
Dave Fairman
October 21, 2024
RIP. A great xo!
William E. Engdall
January 19, 2024
Francis Victor was one of the best Skippers that I had the good fortune to serve with.
William E. Engdall TMCS (SS) COB USS Tinosa SSN 606
lloyd & Sandy Beachy
January 27, 2007
Dear Dottie,
Sandy and I were saddened to hear of Fank's death. I remember him as my "boss" at the Sound Lab and as the finest example of an officer and a gentleman. Sandy thinks back on Frank as a friendly colleague in the Sonalysts family.
We both remember you two as mentors and examples to follow as a Navy family and as involved members of our communities. When our paths crossed at parties and other events we were always blessed with your brilliant smiles and concern.
We regret that we are unable to see you personally now but Sandy broke her knee while playing with Ivy, her Bernese Mountain Dog, and is confined to a wheelchair for two months. I, of course, am partaking in on-the-job training as the 24 hour a day caretaker and nurse.
God bless you and all your family.
VR,
Lloyd and Sandy
Steve Paradiso
January 26, 2007
Dear Mrs Victor and Family -
Lynne and I were deeply saddened to learn of Mr Victor's passing. We are so very glad we got to visit with him, and you all, at Krista's wedding in Indiana last summer. I know you know how much my brother Pete appreciated Frank's friendship. He use to tell me how forward he always looked to making the trips to Connecticut, to be able to spend time with him. We're keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
John Shields
January 24, 2007
Auntie Dottie and Family;
Please know I share your loss. I fondly remember our visit, when as a boy of 10, Grandma and Grandpa and I drove out to Connecticut.
How proud I was of my Uncle who sailed the Sea Wolf.
Albert Einstein once said, “Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.” Seems to me Uncle Fran lived a very worthwhile life.
Judy Pappagallo
January 24, 2007
Dottie,
My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
William Engdall
January 24, 2007
Mrs Victor, Please accept my sincere sympathy. I enjoyed serving on board the USS Tinosa with Captain Victor, he was a great skipper and a true gentleman.
Bill Engdall TMCS (ss) Ret.
Anne King
January 24, 2007
Dottie,
So very sorry to hear of the loss of your husband. My sincere sympathy and my prayers are with you and your family. Anne King
Donalda Arnell Hammersmith
January 24, 2007
Dear Dottie and Family...........
I was so saddened to hear of Franny's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you. I know that Franny has gone on to a better place where he is free of all the pain and suffering.
I have such fond memories of him as my cousin when we were kids growing up in Iron River and Stambaugh and when he'd come to visit our grandmother with his Mom and Dad. I also remember vividly your first visit to Iron River, Dottie. The two of you were so much in love.
We were all so proud when Franny was accepted at the Naval Academy. His appointment was very special in our little town.
Much love to you all,
Donalda Arnell Hammersmith
Chris Gush
January 23, 2007
Dottie,
Sorry to hear about your husband. My prayers will be with you.
Chris
Anna Marie Landry
January 23, 2007
I am so sorry to hear the sad news. Helen Cooper called me in Florida to let me know. Will get in touch soon.
Anna Marie Landry
Robin and Howard Chapman
January 23, 2007
Dear Dottie and family,
We were deeply saddened to hear of Frank's passing. He gave his disease a galant fight. Wish we could be there for a sympathy hug but consider it done. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. We know Dottie your wonderful children and grandchildren will be such a comfort to you at this time.
Fondly,
Dawn Fleming
January 23, 2007
Dear Susan and Family,
I'm so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. My sympathies to you and your famlily.
I moved to NH. two years ago, to be with my daughter. My Love and Prayers
KIE AND RICK BARROWS
January 23, 2007
DOTTIE,
WE WERE SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR LOSS AND YOU AND YOUR FAMILY WILL BE IN OUR PRAYERS. BEING IN FLORIDA WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ATTEND THE FUNERAL BUT WILL BE THERE IN SPIRT.
Vincent Manara
January 23, 2007
Dottie,
Frank was a good friend and outstanding naval officer. We in the Class of 1952 and associated with the Submarine Service shall miss him. You and he and your family will be in our prayers.
Esther & Vince Manara
Cathy Mastroianni
January 23, 2007
Dottie,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prays are with you and your family. Please know if you need anything I'm here for you.
Cathy
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