After a life long struggle with Congestive Heart Failure, Richard V. Francis (Dick) died July 26, 2020 succumbing to a weaken heart at the age of 79 in his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born April 5, 1941 in Bristol, RI. He was the son of the late Frank, Jr. and Mary Lucy Francis (DaPonte), and brother to the late Mary Cecelia, late Dorothy, and late Frank Francis III.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Kathleen “Kathi” (Lavey), and children: son Richard Jr. (Tracey), son Michael (Lori), daughter Christina (George),son William (deceased) (Robin), daughter Susan (Scott), and son David (Madhuri). Richard also leaves 12 adoring grandchildren: Kelley, Nicole, Matthew, Jennifer, Heather, Sean, Andrew, Jack (deceased), Aedan, Ian, Priya and Olivia, as well as two great grandchildren Domenic and Vincent. He is preceded in death by his father, mother and siblings, as well as his son William and grandson Jack, who all welcome him in Heaven.
Richard was a devout husband and father. He always put his family first and prided himself as a rich man, not in monetary value- but in the love and goodness of his family. To him wealth lied in the love of his wife and children. He worked tirelessly day and night to provide for his family of six children, in concert with his loving wife. Together they strived to teach their kids the value of family, hard work and education, as well as how to face life's adversity through humility, respect and thankfulness.
Richard devoted his professional career to the field of electricity. As a young boy, he grew up working with his dad in the family electrical contracting business, Francis Electrical Co. He started out running crews under his dad's electrical business after school and on weekends. After transferring from LaSalle Academy to Central High School's Vocational Program in his senior year to concentrate his education in electrical field, he then pursued BS in Electrical Engineering at Roger Williams College.
As a young man, he earned his Class A Masters Electrical License, and at the time was the youngest person in Rhode Island to earn the credential. He would later take over his dad's business. Tragically, he lost his dad soon after starting his own family and sold the family business.
He turned his pursuits to becoming a public servant where he achieved great success. He served as the Chief Electrical Investigator on the Rhode Island State Board of Examiners of Electricians. He was also certified by the RI Department of Education to teach, and instructed at the William M. Davies, Jr. Vocational Technical School, East Providence Career and Technical Center and Toll Gate Vocational School, where he taught electrical apprenticeship classes.
He was a well respected leader in the electrical field locally and nationally. Through his professional career, he served on the following boards, commissions, organizations and panels, including:
• Roger Williams Chapter of International Association of Electrical Inspectors
o Executive board
o Second Vice Chairman
o First Vice Chairman
o Chairman
• Municipal Electrical Inspector Association of Massachusetts and Rhode Island
• National Electrical Code Panel No. 9
• Rhode Island Building Commission
• National Fire Protection Association
In 1982, he received a proclamation from Governor Garrahy for his contributions to the State of Rhode Island. After leaving state service, he finished his public career as the Electrical Inspector for the City of East Providence. Only to retire and work part-time as the electrical inspector in Barrington, while also serving pro-bono work in Warren, as the health of their inspector weaned.
He was a proud public servant and was always giving of himself to educate the larger community, and used his position to make sure people where safe and knowledgeable in the field of electricity. He prided himself on his ethics and ability to work within the systems to effect positive change that resulted in a safer community. His son Richard, Jr. followed in his footsteps to continue his family legacy in the electrical field that was passed down to him by his dad.
During his life, Richard suffered a couple heart attacks in his mid 30's. Through his determination and hard work, he became an avid runner, cyclist and golfer- running two marathons and many cycling tours. He served as a board member, including chair, of the Barrington YMCA. In more recent years, he would be seen in his home gym working out at all hours on his elliptical machine and exercise bike or pitching golf balls in Burr’s Hill Park behind his house.
He had an unwavering spirit that was untamable and infectious to all who knew him. Always ready to take time to share with all, his timeless wisdom and philosophy on family and humility. It's not easy.... was always his segue; although, he always made it look effortless. We love you Dad, you are always with us...we will see you soon.
His funeral services will be private and are in the care of Wilbur-Romano Funeral Home, Warren, RI.
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