Francis Hal Atherton

Francis H. Atherton, 81, of Bernardston, passed away, at his home, surrounded by his loving family on December 9, 2013. He was born in Greenfield, son of the late Hal and Roberta (Carpenter) Atherton. He was the beloved husband of Katherine (Chekoulias) Raymond whom he married on December 9, 1977. Fran was an Outdoor Ranger for 20 years at Northfield Mountain Outdoor Recreation Center, retiring in 1993. Prior he worked on the construction project for the Northfield Mountain Pump Storage Facility. Fran adored his loving wife and enjoyed family gatherings. He was an ardent Red Sox, UConn Women’s Basketball and Boston Celtics fan. Fran enjoyed fishing, boating, golf, wood working and time spent at the beach. He will be remembered for his generous, loving and caring manner. He was always there to lend a helping hand to anyone that needed it. He was a selfless man and will be lovingly missed and fondly remember by all who knew him. In addition to his beloved wife of 36 years, he is survived by his eight sons, Chip Atherton and his fiancée Debbie Riso of Candia, New Hampshire, Randy Atherton of Pensacola, Florida, Robert Raymond and his wife Linda, of Bernardston, George Raymond of Northfield, Michael Raymond and his wife Mary Jane, Mark Raymond and his wife Tina, Ernest Raymond and his wife Linda, and Jonathan Raymond and his wife Tammy all of Bernardston, five daughters, Crystal Storozuk and her husband Bill of Bernardston, Lucinda Atherton Zeman and her husband Ben of Maynard, Janice Leh and her husband Julian of Bernardston, Jeanette Bailey and her husband Charlie of Westhampton and Lisa Hudson and her husband Russ of Greenfield, 23 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren. Services are private. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Bernardston Senior Center, P.O. Box 504, Bernardston, Massachusetts 01337 or Hospice of Franklin County, 329 Conway Street, Greenfield, Massachusetts 01301