Colwell, Francis L.
Our (Saint), Francis (Fran) L. Colwell has joined our loved ones in heaven on June 3, 2022. Fran was born on October 29, 1955 in Winsted, CT and resided in Norfolk until he met his soul mate and wife Ann (Hatala) Colwell of 39 years. He leaves family members: twin brother Leo F. Colwell and his wife Laura (Bottass), sister Suzanne Colwell, sister-in-law Janet (Hatala) and her husband Andrew Clarke, and brother-in-law Alan Jolicoeur. Fran leaves his beloved nieces and nephews: Julia (Colwell) and husband Casey Smith, Heather and Danielle Jolicoeur, Jennifer Clarke, Alan Colwell, Justin Jolicoeur, and Drew Sommerfelt-Clarke and wife
Mariah.
Fran's career was spent working for the State of Connecticut DOT as a General Supervisor and he retired with 32 years of service. His last and longest assignment was at the Avon State Garage. He supervised the Avon Mountain “runaway ramp” project after the tragic accident and loss of lives. He also worked as a mason where he assisted in the creation of the iconic Carillon Tower map of the United States at the Stanley Park in Westfield, MA. Fran also mastered carpentry skills from Oliver Wolcott Technical School.
Fran would want you to remember him as a “nice guy” and he certainly lived up to it. His wish for everyone would be to “make memories” with your loved ones and to strive for peace. Fran took great joy in helping others. In honor of Fran, please consider donating to the Glioblastoma Foundation. This is an incurable and very common brain cancer. You can make a donation that will make a difference to find effective treatment
and to provide hope for others battling this disease. Memorial donations can be made to: Francis Colwell Memorial Fund (https://fundraise.glioblastomafoundation.org/franciscolwell) or by mail to Glioblastoma Foundation P.O. Box 62066 Durham, NC 27715.
God Bless you Fran from all your family and friends and thank you for making all of us better individuals with
your love and support.
Friends may call at The Ahern Funeral Home, 111 Main St., Rt. 4, Unionville, on Thursday, June 16, 2022 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, June 17, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. in Saint Patrick's Church, Collinsville. To send online condolences to the family, please visit www.ahernfuneralhome.com.