Francis M."Fran" Darling

Francis M. "Fran" Darling, 88, of 59 Eastwood Circle, Gardner, died Tuesday, October 21, 2014 in Heywood Hospital, Gardner, following a period of declining health.
Francis was born in Gardner on July 4, 1926, the son of the late Frank and Florence (Brown) Darling.
He was raised in Gardner and was educated in the Gardner Public School System.
Francis was a United States Navy Veteran, who proudly served his country during WWII and received the World War II Victory Medal, American Theatre Medal and the Asiatic Pacific Theatre Medal.
He was a machinist employed by Nichols and Stone Company of Gardner for 32 years, retiring in 1988.
He was a member of Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witnesses of Gardner.
Francis had a passion for model cars, and also enjoyed attending various flea markets.
He was predeceased by his wife, Virginia (Hendrickson) Darling who died in 1980.
Francis leaves three sons, Steven F. Darling and his wife Laura of Gardner, Michael W. Darling and his wife Rose of Bouctouche Bay, N.B. Canada and Dave M. Darling and his wife Elaine of Sebastien, Florida; one daughter, Dawn M. Long of Naples, Florida; one brother, Densmore Darling of Gardner; eleven grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brother, Russell Darling and sister, Virginia Zillis.
Graveside Services in Wildwood Cemetery will be private and held at the convenience of the family.
Memorial contributions may be made to Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center, 268 Central Street, Gardner, MA 01440 or to Gardner Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Activity Fund, 59 Eastwood Circle, Gardner, MA 01440.
Boucher Funeral Home, Inc., 110 Nichols Street, Gardner is assisting the family with the arrangements.

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