Francis J Elliott

Francis J. "Fran" Elliott, 72, of Worcester, died suddenly but peacefully on Patriots Day, Monday, April 21, 2014, in UMass Hospital. Fran was born and raised in Worcester, a son of the late Francis J. Elliott. He attended South High School and graduated from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, School of Industrial Management. Immediately after his 17th birthday, Fran joined the U.S. Navy and served on a variety of shore stations and ships for the next four years, including a 3 month operation in support of ground units in Laos and Vietnam while serving with Attack Squadron 23, aboard the aircraft carrier USS Midway (CVA-41). He was Honorably Discharged as a Petty-Officer 2nd Class. Other ships included USS Tawasa (ATF-92) and USS Procyon (AF-61) Upon return from the Far East and West Coast, Fran went to work for Jamesbury Corp., where he retired after 33 years with the company. He was a Production and Inventory Control Manager. With an early retirement, Fran decided he would devote all of his available time to assisting Veterans. He then became a fierce "Veterans Advocate" for the next 18 years. Fran served as Post Commander for the Vernon Hill American Legion Post 435 in Worcester; Post Commander for the Charles F. Minney V.F.W. Post in Millbury; District 8 Commander for the Veterans of Foreign Wars; Commander of The Worcester Veterans Council; and the Board of Directors for the Massachusetts Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Additionally, Fran served on the Armed Forces Committee of Worcester County. He was, briefly, a Veterans Service Officer for the Korea Veterans of American and one of its three founders, ultimately joining the K.W.V.A. as Massachusetts Chapter 299. He was also co-founder of Worcester based, Vietnam Veterans for the Community, Inc. Fran was a Life Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, and the Vietnam Veterans of America. His Veteran awards included: Veteran of The Year, City of Worcester; Award of Merit, Armed Forces Committee of Worcester County; Charles Rosenbusch Memorial Award for Community Service; VFW Commander's Award; Certificate of Appreciation from the Korean War Veterans Association, National President; a Key to The City of Worcester, presented by Mayor Tim Murray; and a flag flown over the U.S. Capital, presented by Congressman Jim McGovern honoring Fran's work with Veterans. One of Fran's most treasured memories was serving as Master of Ceremonies for the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge Memorial dedication at the foot of College Hill. The World War Two Veterans were his heros! A plethora of physical problems eventually forced him to become less active in his advocacy, but he never lost the will to try to help other Veterans in any way he could. Fran coached Baseball in Auburn from "tee-ball" to Little League and 13-year olds, for a total period of about 8 years. He also coached youth soccer in Auburn for two years. Additionally he coached Babe Ruth for 2 years in the Ty Cobb League of Worcester. He was a "Volunteer Probation Officer" with Worcester Juvenile Court and Y.O.U. Inc. Fran is survived by his loving wife, Carol; his son Jeff and his wife Missy; his grandchildren, Ben and Emily, who lovingly called him "Grampy". Additionally, Fran leaves his mother, Alice (Green) Elliott; two sisters, Alice Carreau and her husband James; Gloria MacKoul and her husband John. He also leaves nieces "Joanie" and Michelle, nephew, Jim; several great nephews; best friends in Riverton, Utah, Mike an Lucy Rose; and the many Veterans that he cared for deeply. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Fran's family on Sunday, April 27, from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester. His Funeral will be held on Monday, April 28, from the funeral home, departing in procession for a 10 a.m. Mass at Our Lady of Angels Church, 1222 Main Street, Worcester. Interment will follow in Massachusetts Veterans Cemetery, Winchendon. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Vietnam Veterans for the Community, Inc, in care of Tatnuck Postal and Business Center, 1102 Pleasant Street, Worcester, MA 01602.