Edward Francis

Edward Francis

September 17, 1928 – June 01, 2011
Syracuse, New York

Memorial Service: 1:00 p.m., Thursday June 09, 2011 at Plymouth Congregational Church, 232 East Onondaga Street, Syracuse, New York
Ed was born on September 17, 1928, in Oneonta, New York to James and Emma Ellsworth Francis. He served with the United States Army from 1946 to 1948 and was stationed in Alaska, where he gained a lifelong appreciation for the beauty of the Alaskan landscape. He attended Colgate University, in Hamilton, New York and Columbia University in New York, New York obtaining bachelor and master’s degrees from the former institution. He was married to Betty Anne Fischer on June 8, 1952 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Ed began his career as a social studies teacher and later became a guidance counselor, primarily serving Eastchester High School, in Eastchester, New York, where he positively touched the lives of many students. After retirement in 1983, he gained certification in Marriage and Family Counseling from Iona College in New Rochelle, New York and spent nearly two decades in private practice.

Ed was active in church affairs in the First Presbyterian in New Rochelle, New York and later in the Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ in Syracuse.

Throughout his life, he loved traveling, particularly by car. He enjoyed fine dining and family gatherings. He spent his leisure time attending football games at Colgate University, enjoying the Syracuse Symphony and working on his house and yard.

He is survived by his wife, Betty Anne Fischer Francis of Syracuse; three sons, Charles P. (Gail) Francis of Stinson Beach, California, Scott E. (Irene Somyk) Francis of Baltimore, Maryland, and Clayton A. (Ann Ellis) Francis of Grinnell, Iowa; one grandson, Benjamin E. Francis of Grinnell; two granddaughters, Brianna R. Francis of Denver, Colorado and Sarah W. Francis of Grinnell; one brother, Robert Francis of Acton, New Hampshire; and one sister, Mary Francis of Clarksville, New York. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, James and John Francis.

Memorials may be directed to the Plymouth Congregational Church, 232 East Onodaga Street, Syracuse, NY, the Boys and Girls Club of Syracuse, 2100 East Fayette Street, Syracuse, NY 13224, (where the donation may be specifically directed to education and career development) or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Source: Smith Funeral Home