Francis A. Wironen

Francis A. Wironen, 82, of 35 Wachusett Road, Gardner and also of Nettle Island in Jensen Beach, FL died Sunday, December 30th in his residence surrounded by his family, following a brief illness.

Born in Worcester, MA on January 16, 1925, he was the son of Victor and Antoinette (Lafortune) (LaSalle) Wironen.

Francis was a professional photographer. He was the founder and operator of The Wironen Studio, Inc. of Gardner for 42 years. In the 1950's, Francis worked for Leslie's as a camera clerk while operating a part-time portrait business out of his home on Waterford Street. In 1959 he started working full time in his studio out of their new home on Abbott Street. He purchased Chair City Photo in 1960 and merged it with his business, incorporating as The Wironen Studio, Inc. Three years later he built a new studio on Timpany Blvd in Gardner, which he operated until his retirement in 1987. After retiring he continued to work part-time for ten years for his son, Norman Wironen who took over the business. It had become one of the largest commercial photography studios in New England and was a highly regarded portrait business in Greater Gardner. During his career he was an active member in several Photographic Associations, including the Professional Photographers of America, The Professional Photographers of New England, and The Professional Photographers of Massachusetts. In 1984, Francis was awarded a Master of Photography degree from the Professional Photographers of America, and also was inducted into The American Society of Photographers.

Francis was educated at Sacred Heart School in Gardner and the Gardner public schools. He graduated from Gardner High School in 1943, and received the Bauch and Lomb Medal for scientific excellence. He graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology in 1950.

Francis was a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Gardner, and a founding lector. He was a member of the V.F.W. Ovila Case Post 905 of Gardner and former member of The Gardner Rotary Club. He was founder of and active participant of the Gardner Senior Tennis League. Francis was a member of the Nettles Island Tennis Club, the Mens Club, the Computer Club and a former member of the Art Club all in Jensen Beach, FL. He was also a member of the Nettles Island Channel 63 News Team doing videos and stills of the island functions.

Mr. Wironen was a WWII United States Army Veteran, serving as a Corporal with the 165th Engineer Combat Battalion attached to General Patton's 3rd Army. He participated in the liberation of France in WWII, earning the Purple Heart for wounds sustained in Hornbach, Germany in 1945. He also received the European African Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon, the Good Conduct Medal and the Victory Medal.

Mr. Wironen was a multi-talented artist. In addition to photography, he was also an accomplished oil painter and water-colorist. Francis enjoyed playing tennis, a sport he took up in his later years.

Francis leaves his wife of 59 years, Jeanne R. (Gariepy) Wironen of Gardner; five sons, Norman J. Wironen and his wife Christine M. of Gardner, Robert A. Wironen and his wife Susan of Tyngsboro, Steven M. Wironen and his wife Janet of Bath, ME, Alan M. Wironen and his wife Robyn of Topsham, ME and Dr. John F. Wironen of Topsham, ME; four daughters, Susan M. Wironen-Foster and her husband Douglas of Topsham, ME, Christine A. Peterson of Phoeniz, AZ, Janet E. Garcia and her husband Carlos of Westfield, MA and Ann M. Osten and her husband Troy of Marriottsville, MD; one sister, A. Theresa Leger of Gardner; twenty-four grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren; three aunts, Rita Shepard, Bertha Wells and Mildred Manseau all of Winchendon; several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by three brothers, William Wironen, Russell J. Wironen and Leon Lasalle; and by two sisters, Alice Lucas and Beth Brouillet.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 3rd from the Boucher Funeral Home, Inc., 110 Nichols Street, Gardner with a Mass at 10:00 am in Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church, 135 Nichols Street, Gardner. Burial will be in the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Winchendon.

Calling hours in the funeral home will be Wednesday, January 2nd from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Oncology Department at Heywood Hospital, 242Green Street, Gardner, MA 01440, Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 166 Cross Street, Gardner, MA 01440 or to Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church, 135 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA 01440.

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