Francis Raymond Bugbee

Francis R. “Fran” Bugbee, 84, of East Hartford, loving husband of 56 years of Eleanor J. (Leonard) Bugbee, peacefully passed away with his caring family by his side at his home on Wednesday, April 12, 2023. Born in West Hartford on May 30, 1938, a son of the late Ray and Pearl (White) Bugbee, he had been a resident of East Hartford since 1967. Fran was a graduate of Griswold High School in Jewett City, class of 1957 and South Eastern Louisiana College, class of 1966. He was also a proud veteran of the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era.

Prior to his retirement, Fran was employed for 31 years by the town of East Hartford Board of Education as a Physical Education teacher and later as the Chairman of the town Physical Education department. After retirement, he volunteered for several years at Mount Sinai Hospital in Hartford in their coffee shop, where he also instigated their handicap golf program. Fran was an avid golfer and long-time member of the Glastonbury Hills Country Club where he was a former member of their men’s league. A talented golfer, Fran coached the golf team at Tourtellotte Memorial High School in Thompson for several years. He was also a member of the East Hartford Lions Club and past president in 1997-1998, and a fan of the New York Yankees, New York Giants, and UConn sports.

Along with his beloved wife Eleanor, Fran is survived by his son, Christopher F. Bugbee of East Hartford; his daughter, Deborah E. Bugbee of East Hartford; his brother, Allen Bugbee and his wife Betty Ann of Delaware; his sister, Elizabeth Sherman of Rhode Island; two grandchildren, Dezaya and Derek; several nieces, nephews, cousins, former students, and dear friends.

Funeral service will be Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at 11 am at the D’Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford. Burial will follow at Silver Lane Cemetery, East Hartford. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home chapel on Wednesday morning from 10 – 11 am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Fran’s name may be made to Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital, 490 Blue Hills Avenue, Hartford, CT 06112. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopoeh.com.