Robert Edgar Francis

Robert Edgar Francis (1927-2023) Age 96, a resident of Saugerties, NY has gone to be with his lord and savior, Jesus Christ after passing peacefully at The Lutheran Home in Poughkeepsie, NY on October 31, 2023 after suffering from a chronic illness.

WWII Navy Veteran, pharmaceutical salesman, and business entrepreneur who exemplified the achievements of “The Greatest Generation.” 

Bob was born in Schenectady, NY to Florence (nee Weast) and Edgar T. Francis who he loved dearly.  In 1944 he enlisted with the US Navy and was seaman first class sent to Norfolk, VA to join the crew of the USS Midway when she was launched.  After his return from service, he worked in the family laundry business run by his grandmother Francis.  After enrolling in welding school, and graduating 2nd in his class, he and a friend opened Tri-City Welders & Ironworkers/Roofers and he ultimately became a foreman for Schenectady Steel.

He married his first wife, Irene (nee Sadlon), and had three boys, David, Dennis, and Darrell.

After his wife became ill, he worked several jobs until landing as a successful pharmaceutical salesman for White Labs and eventually Smith Miller Patch. 

In 1974, after many years on the road as a salesman, he decided to spread his entrepreneurial wings and opened Tri-County Strip-Nu, a furniture stripping, repair, and refinishing business, where both his sons David and Darrell joined him.

In 1975 he married his love, Shirley (nee Wilson), and later adopted her daughter, Michelle.  He retired from his business in 1987 to enjoy the warm weather in New Port Richey, FL where they happily lived until early 2000 when they returned to live in Saugerties, NY to be closer to family.

He enjoyed crossword puzzles, reading books on history, and spending time with family.  He was also a eucharistic minister and lay reader for All Saints Episcopal Church, Tarpon Springs, FL and Church of the Messiah, Rhinebeck NY.

Robert was preceded in death by his sister, Lois Hewett.  He is survived by his present wife of 48 years, Shirley; his children, David Francis and Ilene (Angarola), Dennis Francis and Ilena (Dulkis); Darrell (Dodie) Francis; and daughter, Michelle (David) Andrick. 

Grandchildren: Amy Francis, Christopher (Amy) Francis, Sara (Aaron) Palombo, Michael (Jen) Francis, Eric (Katrina) Francis, Lyla Andrick and six great grandchildren.

Services will be held on Saturday, November 4th at 11 am at The Church of the Messiah, 6436 Montgomery Street, Rhinebeck, NY.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Church of the Messiah in honor of the Robert Francis Memorial Fund. Please send donations to P.O. Box 248. Rhinebeck, NY  12572.

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