Francis Matthew Carignan

Francis, who is better known as Fran or Grampy, died peacefully the morning of October 16, 2023 in Brunswick, Maine after a short illness.

Francis was born on January 2, 1936 to the late Doris M (nee Smith) Mooney and Roger J. L. Carignan.

Fran attended Portland schools before joining the National Guard in which he served 2 years. Serving his country was important to him and he was very proud to become a United States Marine in 1954. Fran fought for his country in the Korean War alongside his Marine Corps brothers In 1957. Once a Marine, always a Marine, and while Fran moved on to working in the private sector, he wore his Marine Corps pride until his last day.

Fran was a hard worker with a strong work ethic that he passed on to his family. Whether he was delivering clams (a story he loved to recount), working the line to bring Maine's famous B&M Baked Beans to market, trimming trees to prevent power outages with Lucas Tree, or helping to keep the peace with Ace Security, Fran gave everything he did that Carignan gusto. He settled into a 35-year tenure with S. D. Warren Paper Company and ultimately found "retirement". Not one to sit still, he kept himself busy with part time work at Frost and Flame, spending time enjoying the hobbies he loved, and traveling – usually by motorcycle.

Fran had more hobbies than can possibly be fit into this space (and barely fit into his garage). He always had a project going as he could fix anything, and I mean anything. He enjoyed working with radio controlled airplanes and as technology advanced he became a drone pilot. A huge motorcycle enthusiast, he and his late wife Gail would travel anywhere their Honda Goldwing would take them, but often ended up in Canada. They enjoyed other means of travel as well such as cruises to the Caribbean and Mexico and road trips to anywhere. But his first and last love was the freedom of the open road on his Goldwing and his travel partner Gail by his side.

Fran is someone who will be remembered for his unwavering sense of humor, always quick to light up a room with a joke or funny story. As a proud disabled Veteran, he was quick to assist other disabled Veterans and participating in important events including Honor Flight Maine. He will also be remembered as being one of the kindest humans you would ever meet. He loved helping people in any way that he could, whether it be family, friends, or strangers. If he had it, and you needed it, it was yours.

Fran's family was everything to him. Sadly, he was predeceased by his wife Barbara Gail Carignan in 2022. Fran was also predeceased by his son Peter Francis Carignan, daughter Melissa Carignan, step daughter Debra Lewis, granddaughter Tiffany Moyen, step brothers Daniel Mooney and Merle Mooney, his step sister Mable Mooney, and his brother Stanwood Mooney, Jr..

Fran is survived by his children and their families, Dr. Charles Carignan and his partner Michael Cerruti of Boston, MA, Stacie and Rick Sturgeon of Sabattus, ME, stepdaughter Kellie Greenleaf of South Portland, and her partner Aaron Wellington of Casco, ME. Fran is also survived by his sister Carolann Goodine of Lewiston, ME, Sister in law Pam Mooney of Gorham, ME, and brother Ronald Carignan of Silver Springs, FL. Fran was known as Grampy by many grandchildren, Abigail Carignan and her husband Steve McMullen of New York, NY, Casey Sturgeon of Portland, ME, Corey Sturgeon of South Portland, ME, Jessica Greenleaf of Chattanooga, TN, Kimberly and Michael Tarbox of Westbrook, ME, Peter and Amanda Carignan of Limington, ME, David Carignan of Limington, ME, Darin and Leah Moyen of Auburn, MA, and 9 great grandchildren.

Graveside services on Tuesday October 24, 2023 at 11 AM in Grove Cemetery, Freeport followed by a reception at 12:15 PM at Lindquist Funeral Home in Yarmouth.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.LindquistFuneralHome.com for the Carignan family.