Francis Joly

May 15, 2018

Francis Joly

ATHOL- Francis Joly, 91, of New Sherborn Road, died early Monday morning, May 14, 2018 at Wachusett Manor Nursing Home in Gardner.

Born in South Royalston on December 30, 1926, he was a son of William and Dianna (Savoie) Joly and grew up in Athol.

On February 23, 1945, Francis enlisted into the United States Navy and served during World War II  as a Seaman Second Class. He was honorably discharged on May 20, 1946.

Francis married Rosetta R. (Flematti) on October 20, 1951 and have enjoyed over 66 years together.

Employed by the L. S. Starrett Company as a screw machine operator, Francis retired from there in 1989 after 28 years. He previously had worked for the Mears Heel Company,  Athol Manufacturing and a watch repair business.

Francis was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Starrett 25 Year Club and Our Lady Immaculate Church.

An avid gardener, he also enjoyed walking in the woods, and most of all, time with his family, especially the kids, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Francis loved playing the accordion and organ.

Survivors include his loving wife, Rosetta Joly of Athol; his children,  Debra Joly of Athol, Daniel Joly of Athol, David Joly (Theresa) of Chicopee, Denise Johnson (Mark) of Athol and Dana Joly of Brookline, NH; grandchildren, Stephanie Morandi, James Joly, Kevin Joly, Kelly Mailloux, Douglas Johnson, Kenny Johnson, Sean Joly, and Genevieve Joly; great grandchildren, Evelyn Joly, Audrey Joly, Harper Morandi, Elise Mailloux, and Amelia Johnson; sisters, Rita Raymond and Vicki Janik; and a brother, Robert Joly; as well as many nephews and nieces.

Besides his parents, Francis was predeceased by his siblings, Irene Testagrossa, William Joly, Joseph Joly, Arthur Joly, Cecila Willis, Doralice Forsyth, Charles Joly, Rev. Henry Joly, Helen Woffenden and Omer Joly.

Calling hours will be Thursday, May 17, 2018 from 6-8 p.m. at Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday morning, May 18, 2018 at 10 a.m. at Our Lady Immaculate Church, 192 School Street, Athol, with Fr. Carlos Ruiz officiating.

Interment will follow in Gethsemane Cemetery, Athol.

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to New England Hemophilia Association, Suite 401, 347 Washington Street, Dedham, MA 02026 or Our Lady Immaculate Church, 192 School Street, Athol, MA 01331.

Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is directing the arrangements.

You may offer your sympathy online at www.wittyfuneralhome.com

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