US Army veteran
NORTH READING — Francis Hart of Topsfield, formerly North Reading died on Sunday, September 15 at the age of 87.
Francis known by his family and friends as “Frannie” was born in Medford on June 18,1937 and was the son of the late Russell Hart and Josephine (Mel) Hart. Frannie was raised in Stoneham and graduated from Stoneham High School where he played hockey and was the captain of the Football team. He attended Merrimack College and then went on to join the Army in 1957 and served until 1963. After leaving the Army he began working for the Friden Company selling mechanical calculators. He eventually went on to open his own business as a manufacturer’s representative and that is where he retired. Frannie was very involved in Alcoholics Anonymous. At his death, he was 42 years sober. He was a sponsor and a friend to so many people in his beloved program.
Frannie loved sports, especially the Boston Bruins and New England Patriots both of which he had season tickets to for many years. He remained very active in his later years with boating, hiking and skiing. And he so loved spending time at his summer home in Chatham. But without a doubt, his favorite thing to do was spend time with his family who he loved so much!
He was the beloved husband of the late Joyce Hart for 57 years. He was the loving father of Kimberlee Egan and her husband James of Rowley and Scott Hart of Methuen. He was the cherished grandfather of Adam Hart, Matthew Egan and Tyler Egan who referred to him as “Bumpa”. He was also the loving brother of Russell Hart and Carol (Hart) Nardone; and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his sister Ann (Hart) Connolly and brother Joseph Hart.
Visitation for relatives and friends will be held at the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave., Wakefield on Friday, September 20 from 9 to 11 a.m. His funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Friday following the visitation at 11 a.m. Interment, Forest Glen Cemetery, Reading. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. For guestbook visit mcdonaldfs.com.
