Francis Joseph Lussier, died peacefully at home in The Villages, Florida, on Sunday, August 7, 2016 at the age of 91.
Born on August 15, 1924, Francis was raised and lived the first 70 years of his life in North Adams, Mass. before retiring and moving to Florida.
Fran was known as “an amazing man” who traveled extensively through his work as a government construction engineer, residing in many countries including Saudi Arabia, Israel, Egypt and Thailand. After his retirement he became completely blind, but not a man to sit idle he then proceeded to author and publish 28 Historical Westerns and 2 mystery novels.
Francis served in the Marine Corp as a sergeant in the 4th Marine Airwing Mag 22 in WWII from 1942 through 1945 where he fought in the battle of the Midway Islands.
Francis is a life member of the American Legion Post 347, the DAV Chapter 150 and the VFW Post 8083. He was extremely active in The Veterans Memorial Park Honor Guard and The American Legion Honor Guard where he is remembered by all who knew him playing the drums at veteran burials and military ceremonies until just prior to his passing.
He was also a softball umpire and an avid golfer.
Francis is survived by his wife of 68 years Loretta Beauchamp Lussier, daughter Kathleen Lussier Farricker, son Arthur Lussier, granddaughters Alana Lussier and Taylor Lussier and grandson Carson Lussier. He also leaves three sisters, Loraine Leonard, Charlotte Robert, Mary Jo Clements and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by two grandchildren Jessica Lussier and Evan Lussier, his parents Prosper and Rose Urbano Lussier, and four brothers Edward, Donald, Kenneth and Paul Lussier.
A mass will be held on Thursday, August 25, 2016 at 10 a.m. at St. Timothy Catholic Church in The Villages followed by a military ceremony by the American Legion Honor Guard Post 347 at the same location.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Francis’ name may be made to The Cornerstone Hospice.
