Now it is June 2018. I think of Frank often and with such enormous fondness. Sometimes he pops in my mind with such little warning i pause and need to gather myself. Recently i recalled his funeral and something Elizabeth wanted me to read that, in my grief, I was unable to (but i love her for it). I met him only in 1990 when he was about 75, but i recognized an adventurous man who was engaged and loved fun and the unexpected.  He was so patient with his pains, with his discomfort and with his loneliness as he grew old, i hope i can be so gracious. I loved him very much. I miss him. 

Rest in peace, Uncle Francis. I always enjoyed our visits at the Cape and Marshfield when we would bring Grandma D to see Aunt Mary,you and the children.  Thank you for those good memories.
MY deepest sympathy to Elizabeth, Joel and Martha.

Noreen Donovan Pemberton

I only learned of the death of Francis X last evening. I never actually met him, but had come to know some of the finer touches of his life during my 17 year long friendship with his son, Joel ... Gracious charm, contagious enthusiasm, unquenchable curiosity, compelling values, and deep laughter over shots of Stoli late into the night ... Francis X made Joel, a gift to the world that continues to live and breathe, a legacy to a life that mattered.

 After Joel and I finished our phone call call that drifted into the early morning, I found this site. I called Joel back and made mention of the wonderful photo of his dad sitting on the steps, and mused: "He looks like a kid I'd have had fun with, maybe found a bit of mischief with." We said goodnight one more time, I lit a candle in the early morning darkness, smiled, lifted a shot, and gave thanks for the life of Francis X

I remember Frank fondly both at Michigan State University and as the Michigan State Librarian. I worked in the Humanities Dept. of MSU as a clerk before attending library school and later served with Frank on the Board of the Michigan Library Consortium. He was always considerate of all and very encouraging to those new to the profession of librarianship. We need many more Frank Scannells.  Diane E. Murray, Senior Librarian Emerita, Grand Valley State University

Like all of us, I'm missing Frank a great deal and appreciating my good fortune for having married into the Scannell family. Knowing Frank has been important to me for many reasons--he led me on wonderful trips (Kauai! East Orleans! Cambridge! Mt. Baker!) and informed my understandings of baseball and horse racing. (Alas, I could not get him to be a Mets fan.) He will surely remain an important pillar of the Scannells and Donovans.

In the late 70s-early 80s I was with the Senate Fiscal Agency, the staff agency to the Senate Appropriations Committee.  For a number of years I had the Dept. of Education budget, which at that time included the Library of Michigan.  I was still a "youngin'" then, but Frank was a gentleman who always treated me with great respect and courtesy, and taught me so much about the Library operations and budget.  He also had a brilliant mind, and I cherish the wonderful conversations we had.

Missing my most excellent dad - Francis X. today and everyday. He touched many lives. He will live on in all our memories. 
~Martha, Bernardsville, NJ

Mr. Scannell was at Library of Michigan when I was a new employee; he was a wonderful fatherly gentleman whose quiet dignity and easy smile made it a pleasure to work around. I have fond memories of cat-sitting his fluffy friend, Quinton, while he traveled and felt it was a privilege to be so trusted!

I'll always remember Frank's smile, and charm; mirrored by Mary, and inherited by all their children. What a guy...

So well I remember Frank and Mary, the delightful parents of my best friend Chris...many a night they graced my parents' dinner table with scintillating, intelligent conversation...RIP FX!!! My sympathy     to the family.

Frank and Mary Scannell were my godparents, and good friends to my late parents, Jack and Honey Kavanagh. Their prayers on my behalf helped make me the man I am today, and I am grateful for their role in my life. Frank helped make everyone around him smarter and better. May he and Mary rest in peace in the everlasting love and care of our Eternal Father.

Please accept my condolences and know that the many warm memories I have of your father will live on. 
With love and sympathy,
Jim Magnotta

Joel: I am sorry to hear about your father's passing.Although, I personally met him only three times, I felt as though I was well acquainted with him because of your stories about him or the made up ones told by Norm Berkowitz. I don't know if you remember that he helped me get a job at the Mackinaw Island Park Commission that had an office in his building, the old State of Michigan Library. he was a good guy and you were so fortunate to have had him in your life for all theses many years. You are in my thoughts and if you need any assistance in the Lansing are fell free to contact me at terencedavis@hotmail.com.

OBITUARY

Francis Xavier Scannell

15 December, 1917 – 17 June, 2013

Sunset Hills Memorial Park & Funeral Home

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