Wheelwright - Francis L. Messier, of Wheelwright passed away peacefully on Monday, July 19, 2021, at the age of 97.
Fran was predeceased by his wife, Irene in 2010.
He will be dearly missed by his son, Vincent, his daughter Mary Elizabeth, and her husband Richard.
Gramps will be forever loved and remembered by his grandsons, Joshua and his wife Jennifer, Matthew and his wife Leah and Timothy. And his great-grandchildren Olivia, Levi, and Dorothy Irene.
Fran served proudly with the 3rd Infantry Division U.S. Army during World War II. For his service he was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge, 3 Purple Heart Medals, the Good Conduct Medal, WW II Victory Medal, European Theater Campaign Ribbon with 4 service stars, and the Distinguished Unit Badge.
Fran was a dedicated life-long member of St. Augustine Mission Church, where he was an active part of all church renovations, projects, and activities.
He enjoyed woodworking, building furniture and a boat for his family’s enjoyment. He also enjoyed his time gardening, sharing his love and knowledge of both with his children and grandchildren. Fran played semi-pro baseball before WWII and enjoyed following the Boston Red Sox.
Fran worked as a Tool Designer at Heald Machine Company in Worcester before retiring. During retirement Fran & Irene enjoyed traveling around the world with friends and taking trips south to see their grandsons.
A Funeral Mass for Fran will be held on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, at 10:00AM in St. Augustine Mission Church, 98 Church Lane in Wheelwright. His family will receive condolences from 9:30-10:00 in the church prior to mass. Burial with Military Honors will be held in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, South Barre Rd., Barre, following mass.
In place of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made in Fran’s honor to the Disabled American Veterans Memorial Program, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301 or at www.DAV.org memorial donations.
Charbonneau Funeral Home, 30 Pleasant St., in Ware is assisting his family with arrangements.
An online guest book is available at charbonneaufh.com
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