Francis Sadlier

July 6, 1939 – Aug. 19, 2026 87 years

Passed away: Tidwell Hospice House Lakewood Ranch, FL

Frank was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. Like most New Yorkers, proud of the city he was born in, raised in, and worked in until he retired. His career spanned years of office manager and bookkeeping positions at finance companies to an eventual retirement form The New York City School Construction Authority.

Although Sadlier is of French origin, make no mistake this was a man with Irish blood running through him. He was so very proud to be an Irish American. Whether it was Irish music and Festivals, his 4 Irish Setter dogs over the years, sending his daughter for Irish step dancing classes, Irish caps & t-shirts, the 100+ viewings (at least) of his favorite movie, The Quiet Man, to his wit, sense of humor, and gift for gab that the Irish are known for, were ALL encapsulated within him.

But Frank was most proud to be American, serving his country in both the Army and National Guard for aprx. 10 years. He also continued with committed service through his membership with the Knights of Columbus since the 1960s, and many years with the American Legion and Ancient order of Hibernians.

He was a devoted Husband, married 59 years to his wife, Ruth O’Connor, his Ruthie – also a fellow New Yorker, and they lived in Brooklyn until buying their home in Staten Island, NY to start a family and raise their daughter, Christine. A marriage not without its share of struggles like all, was perfectly imperfect, both holding a steadfast loyalty to each other through Frank’s last breath.

Frank was a practicing Catholic, and even after his health made it hard for him to get to church over the past several years, he would watch mass online. It was important for him and his wife to raise their daughter, Christine, in the faith as well. Frank and Ruth sacrificed so very much to send their daughter to Catholic elementary school, high school and college at a private Jesuit University. It was so important to them to provide their daughter with a strong foundation of Catholic faith to guide her through life and to lean on through the joys, triumphs and heartaches life would bring.

As far as loves in life, he was an avid sports fan especially for the Brooklyn Dodgers as a young man, and then to the NY Mets when the Dodgers left Brooklyn. He also loved the NY Giants, NY Knicks and sports in general. His mind could lock in stats and recall them at will, like no one else and for many years, he was a big sports card collector. When he was younger, he loved to bowl and play softball and do woodworking projects. Frank was a

lifelong reader, especially for books by his favorite author, James Patterson. He created a small library in his house, to be envious of, and enjoyed years of reading and listening to music and probably peace and quiet in that library!

And other loves would be friendships, although Ruth was the planner and executor, Frank loved to be the center of attention when the house was full of lifelong family friends and family, over the years. Holding court at the downstairs bar of the house in Staten Island as resident “bar tender” was his happiest times, whether he said so or not. You could see it on his face and hear it in his laugh. The life lesson, surround yourself with family, both family by blood, and especially the family you choose.

Biggest love was and is his daughter, of which he gave ALL at ALL times, his endless time, love, support, and guidance. He strove and succeeded in every way to be a tremendous father, supporting Christine at every stage in her life, as a father, friend, coach (in any sport she played), confidant, and faithful defender. Frank and Christine also shared a special bond, especially their love of music which Frank cultivated in his daughter from a very young age. He encouraged her to find beauty, uniqueness, and enjoyment in every music genre. They spent hours in conversations about songs, lyrics, musicians, meanings, and filled the house with music whenever they could.

Then came the love and pride for his grandson Daniel, with whom he would have the most tender of conversations and save his biggest smiles for. Daniel played the role of guardian for his grandfather, especially this past 4 years of everyone living together under one roof here in Florida. Quietly and patiently as is Daniel’s way, he always made sure his grandfather was settled in, comfortable, safe and loved before his grandfather closed his eyes for the night.

Frank, although a life-long New Yorker, loved living in Florida with his family together in the sun, but sadly it was a hard 4 years as his mobility and strength decreased, and dementia cruelly stole more of who he was, along with a weakening heart. He chose to live what time he had left on his terms, and he passed on in hospice surrounded by love and comfort. We asked God to let him pass in his sleep without pain and with comfort, and God granted this.

Frank, in this life and eternally, a devoted husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, uncle and friend. 87 years of earthly life transitioned to eternal life.

We miss him dearly but now find peace in God’ peace for him.

A funeral mass will be held on Friday, September 4th at 10 a.m. at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church in Parrish, Florida.