Grafton – Francis B. McClure, 83, peacefully passed away Monday, Sept. 11, 2017, surrounded by his devoted family, following complications from a recent illness.
He shared 62 beautiful years of marriage with his late and loving wife, Nancy L. (Kelly) McClure, and was a devoted father to their nine children, Michael F. McClure and his wife Daintria, Daniel P. McClure and Nancy Curran, Lawrence D. McClure and his wife Ruth, Thomas J. McClure and Susan, Steven M. McClure and his wife Carol, Lori A. Simpson and Mike Robertson and Timothy J. McClure. He was predeceased by his daughters, Patricia A. Allen and Cheryl A. Atchue; grandson Shane P. McClure; and brother Connie J. McClure. He also leaves behind his brothers, David L. McClure and his wife Connie, and Louis P. McClure,Jr., along with his beloved sister, Ann Marie Ambrose and her husband Carl, and sister-in-laws Jane B. Lewis, Patricia J. Knowlton, and Christine McClure. He has 31 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews.
Francis was born Aug. 3, 1934 in Worcester. He was the son of the late Mary E. McClure (Flynn) and Louis P. McClure Sr. His roots stem from Shrewsbury, and he was a proud graduate of Saint John’s High School, class of 1952.
He and his loving wife, Nancy, raised their family in North Grafton, and spent their summers in Vinalhaven Maine and many winters in Florida. Closer to home, Fran was the proud patriarch of his family who will dearly miss their strong, faithful and supportive father, “Gramp” and “Great-Grandpa.”
He was always a man of faith and devoted parishioner of St. Mary’s Church in North Grafton. He also leaves many friends, some of who shared in his handy-man talents, and others who appreciated his prompt response to all “Mr. Fix-It” calls, which were followed by swift, quality, and trusted solutions.
All are welcome to gather with Fran’s family Wednesday, Sept. 13, from 3-7 p.m., at Roney Funeral Home, 152 Worcester St., North Grafton. His funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, Sept. 14, at 10 a.m., at St. Mary’s Church in North Grafton. He will then be laid to rest at St. Phillip’s Cemetery in Grafton.
Please visit a Book of Memories for Fran online to share a special memory or message of sympathy with his family at www.RoneyFuneralHome.com.
