Francis E. Harrison, of the Villages, FL, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 17, 2016 at the Villages Regional Medical Center. He was 87. He was born in New York City, and before moving to The Villages in 2005, he lived in Fairfax, VA for 11 years, but had lived most of his life, and raised his family, in Stamford, Connecticut.
Frank was a very spiritual man who was a member of the San Damiano Franciscan Third Order. He devoted a tremendous amount of time to volunteer work with the St. Vincent de Paul Society and Hospice. He was an active alumni of St. Michael’s College in Vermont where he had looked forward to his upcoming 65th Reunion. Frank also enjoyed playing golf and bridge. And his cooking was enjoyed by all his friends.
Frank was the loving and proud father of seven children, 5 daughters and 2 sons, Mary Michel of Illinois, Frank Harrison, Patricia Brandt, Margaret Santacroce and Amy Klimek of Connecticut, Katherine Pelson of Rhode Island and Brian Harrison of Virginia. He was the proud grandfather of 16 grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Claire Cocklin of Virginia. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Irene in 1989.
Family members will receive friends on Tuesday, November 22 from 2:00 until 4 p.m. at the Hiers-Baxley Funeral Home, 1511 Buenos Aires Blvd., The Villages. A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, November 23, 2016 at St. Mark’s The Evangelist Catholic Church, 7081 SE Hwy 42, Summerfield. Memorial donations may be made in Frank’s name to the St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Mark’s Church, 7081 SE Hwy. 42, Summerfield, FL 34491.