Francis, Robert William

Robert William Francis, Sr., 85, of Omaha, NE passed away peacefully from an extended illness on Thursday, February 23, 2023. Robert was born on March 30, 1937 in Hartford, CT to parents John, Sr. and Clara (Synder) Francis. A United States Navy veteran, Robert served from 1955 to 1959. Stationed in Virginia Beach for a time, but for much of the time as a AM-2 Petty Officer on the aircraft carrier USS Randolph CVA-15 as part of VF-73 (Fighter Squadron 73) in the Mediterranean Sea. He was able to visit Greece during that time. Robert worked for United Technologies International Fuel Cells for 33 years, retiring in 1992, and enjoyed retirement for 30 plus years. His loves included: his family and close friends; real estate; always looking for a new project (building two stand-alone garages on separate properties from the foundation on up); fixing and building things himself (his wife used to say, “the only things he can’t fix are TV’S and electrical wiring”); following “the stocks”; and watching sports (women’s Uconn Huskies basketball always, and any soccer competition later on in life).

Robert was predeceased by his beloved wife Carolyn (Louise Smith) Francis, whom he married in May of 1957. Both grew up in Hartford, CT and graduated from Weaver High School. They were married for 38 years, until Carolyn’s untimely passing in June of 1995. In 2015, he moved to Omaha, NE, where he enjoyed seven plus years with his youngest son Steve and his wife Cherry; both of whom lovingly helped him to navigate his later years.

Robert is survived by his four sons and their spouses, Robert Francis Jr. (Jody Francis), Donald Francis (Heidi Bartlett), Kenneth Francis (Sharon Francis), Steven Francis (Cherry Francis); his four grandchildren (Katrina, Kyle, Jessica, Amanda), and his five greatgrandchildren. He is also survived by brother-in-law Roy Smith, and sisters-in-law Lois Cooper and Loretta Francis; by his four nephews (Gary, Bob, Tom, Jay) and five nieces (Darlene, Wendy, Karen, Joyce, Sandi); by his lifelong friends George Murphy, Dot Rochette, Jean Love, Tom and Diane Clark, and by treasured friends Deborah Lavoie and Bob Belrose.

Robert was additionally predeceased by his brother John Francis Jr.; his sister Martha Drown and her husband Ivers Drown, Jr., and his sister-in-law Marion Smith.

Robert will be laid to rest in Rose Hill Memorial Park in Rocky Hill, CT.