Francis E. Johnson

WEST BOYLSTON-Francis E. Johnson, 92, passed away Monday, October 12 in UMASS Memorial Medical Center.


He was born in Worcester on July 3, 1923, son of Fritz and Mary (Hurley) Johnson. Buster, as he was affectionately known, leaves behind his wife of 68 years, Nancy (Brown) Johnson. He leaves four children: Robert and his wife Deborah, Paula Pucko and her husband Michael, both of West Boylston; Linda Hollis and her husband Peter, Debra Dame and her husband Steven, both of Worcester. He also leaves 10 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren and 2 nephews, Dr. Donald Kallio and his wife Elaine and Wayne Kallio and his wife Tami. He was pre-deceased by his sister, Helen Kallio.


Fran interrupted his college education to serve 2 years with the United States Marine Corps, serving in Okinawa and then Japan with the army of occupation.
He then graduated from WPI in 1947 where he was a member of the Theta Kappa Phi fraternity. He worked at Rockwood Sprinkler Company and then Smith Valve where he was chief engineer.


Fran and Nancy lived in West Boylston for 30 years where he was very active in the Civic Club and the town Little League.


Fran retired in 1981 and he and Nancy moved to their home in East Harwich on Cape Cod. He was an avid golfer and joined the Cranberry Valley Golf Course and as well as the bowling league. They spent 20 winters in St Augustine, FL.


Fran and Nancy moved back to West Boylston in 2004 to be closer to their family. Tuesday Family Night at Finders and Friday night cocktail hour at their house quickly became a fun family tradition.


Calling hours will be from 4:00 - 7:00 at Fay Brothers Funeral Home 1 West Boylston St. on Friday October 23 followed by a Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 111 Worcester St. on Saturday, October 24 at 10:00 am. Burial will follow in Mt. Vernon Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the West Boylston Fire and Ambulance Fund, c/o West Boylston Fire Department, 39 Worcester Street, West Boylston MA 01583.