Obituary for Francis P. Raiola, Sr.
Francis P. Raiola, Sr., 81, of Windham (formerly of Mansfield, CT), beloved husband of Ursula Ann (Dupre) Raiola for 56 years, died November 5, 2010 in St. Joseph Living Center. He was born May 6, 1929 in Branford, CT, the son of Pasquale and Philomena (Proto) Raiola. A graduate of Branford High School, Class of 1947, he was a member of the 1946 State Class B championship basketball team and the undefeated 1947 championship team. In 2000 he was inducted into the Branford Sports Hall of Fame, having lettered in football, basketball and baseball. During the Korean War, he served in the CT Army National Guard in the 2nd Platoon Tank Co., 102nd Infantry. He was employed by Mansfield State Training School, retiring in 1978. Later he was employed by Windham Hospital, UCONN Events Staff, The Norwich Navigators, and as a Windham Public Schools Crossing Guard.Â
Frank took great pride in his family and loved spending time with them. He was always there to talk to and lend a hand. He enjoyed his morning coffee rendezvous with his friends and was always up for a good conversation about sports or current events. His smile and cheerfulness were contagious and always brightened the day. He is deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. The family would like to thank the staff of St. Joseph Living Center for all they have done for him and for us throughout this difficult time.Â
In addition to his wife, his survivors include three sons:  Robert and his wife Susan of Hebron, CT; Daniel of Mansfield, CT; and Fran and his wife Christine of Willington, CT. He also leaves six grandchildren: Julie, Gina, Nicholas, Jonathan, Scott and Chelsie; as well as five great-grandchildren: Anna, Sierra, Caydon, Nicole, and Ada. He was predeceased by a grandson, Robert Jr., and his sister, Theresa Raiola.
The family will receive friends Thursday (11/11) from 6-8pm at the Bacon Funeral Home, 71 Prospect St., Willimantic. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday (11/12) at 10am in St. Joseph Church, Jackson St., Willimantic. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Windham, CT. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Paget Foundation, 120 Wall St., Suite 1602, New York, NY, 10005-4001.
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Frank took great pride in his family and loved spending time with them. He was always there to talk to and lend a hand. He enjoyed his morning coffee rendezvous with his friends and was always up for a good conversation about sports or current events. His smile and cheerfulness were contagious and always brightened the day. He is deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. The family would like to thank the staff of St. Joseph Living Center for all they have done for him and for us throughout this difficult time.Â
In addition to his wife, his survivors include three sons:  Robert and his wife Susan of Hebron, CT; Daniel of Mansfield, CT; and Fran and his wife Christine of Willington, CT. He also leaves six grandchildren: Julie, Gina, Nicholas, Jonathan, Scott and Chelsie; as well as five great-grandchildren: Anna, Sierra, Caydon, Nicole, and Ada. He was predeceased by a grandson, Robert Jr., and his sister, Theresa Raiola.
The family will receive friends Thursday (11/11) from 6-8pm at the Bacon Funeral Home, 71 Prospect St., Willimantic. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday (11/12) at 10am in St. Joseph Church, Jackson St., Willimantic. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Windham, CT. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Paget Foundation, 120 Wall St., Suite 1602, New York, NY, 10005-4001.
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