Obituary for Francis E. Christian
GRAFTON: Francis Ernest Christian of 110 Old Westboro Road returned to his Creator on July 17, 2021.
He leaves his only son, Michael Francis Christian, his beloved daughter-in-law, Meredith Hope (Searles) Christian, his most special and precious grandchildren, Emily Dara Christian and Daniel Michael Christian, and his sister-in-law Claire (Adams) Chase of Auburn MA. He also leaves many beloved nieces, nephews, family members and dear friends. He rejoins his wife of 55 years, his best friend and high school sweetheart Gloria (Adams) Christian, as well as brother Roland Christian, and sisters, Phyllis Crosby, Carol Tetreault, Beatrice Gauthier, Doris Brown, Rita Beauregard, and Mary Louise Christian.
Francis was born on January 23, 1932, in Southbridge Massachusetts, the son of Collis and Beatrice (Smith) Christian and graduated from Uxbridge High School. He was employed by Wyman-Gordon in Grafton for 35 years as a machinist and toolmaker, retiring in 1994. He then was employed part-time for Fallon Clinic and Clinitech.
Mr. Christian was an Army Veteran of the Korean War, stationed in Germany for 18 months. He enlisted December 3, 1951, and was honorably discharged from active service as a Corporal on November 16, 1953. He received the American Army of Occupation Medal and National Defense Service Medal.
He was a member of St. Phillip’s Catholic Church in Grafton, St. James Prayer Group, and Wyman-Gordon’s Gung-Ho Club. Fran was also a Cub Scout Master and baseball coach. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed sports. By far, the greatest joy of his life was his family. He had an exceptional relationship with his son and sacrificed many years of his life to the caring of his grandchildren. He was a very caring and compassionate man who put everyone’s needs before his own, devoting many hours to the care of the elderly and all those who were in need. Francis was an active community member who loved sitting on the town common, and telling stories, particularly to his friends at the Donut Star. He will be missed by all.
Calling hours will be on Thursday, July 22, 2021, from 5pm to 7pm at Roney Funeral Home, located at 152 Worcester Street in North Grafton. The funeral will be held at St. Philip’s Church on West Street in Grafton on July 23, 2021, at 11:00am. Burial to follow at St. Phillip’s Cemetery in Grafton. Rather than making a donation, take a friend to breakfast. Fran would have liked that.
www.RoneyFuneralHome.com
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