Francis C. Andriliunas

VIRGINIA Colonel Francis C. Andriliunas, United States Marine Corps (ret) of Poquoson, Virginia died on the morning of April 11th after a long illness. He was born May 28,1928 in Athol, the son of Lithuanian immigrants Jonas and Valeria (Brazinskas Andriliunas. He attended Athol Schools and graduated with the class of 1946, playing football, hockey, and baseball As a lad, he delivered the Daily News faithfully to 106 customers. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the Marine Corps receiving basic training, a tour at Marine Barracks in Washington followed by acceptance to Brown University, where he earned a commission as a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. He married his high school sweetheart, Anna Salkaus upon graduation in 1952, and the two embarked on a worldwide journey which included postings in Spain, various bases in the US, his active service in Korea, Okinawa and Vietnam. Upon retirement they settled in the coastal town of Poquoson, Virginia where they enjoyed the amenities of Chesapeake Bay as they became devoted community members with their many activities in real estate, the Poquoson Exchange Club, the American Legion, and the VFW. Most of all, they enjoyed being joined by their two sons who also made homes for their growing families in Poqouson. Francis served as an artillery officer in Korea and battalion commander in Vietnam, where he was the commanding officer of the 3rd battalion, 11th Marines in Danang during the Tet offensive. Later after ,,assignment to the Joint Chiefs of Staff Office of the Pentagon he received particular commendation for his logistical skills during the refugee evacuation of Vietnam. Other commendations followed his contributions during the Cuban Missile Crisis, and recognition of his work in support of the Israeli military campaign. He also graduated from the Naval War College and earned a Masters Degree in International Affairs from George Washington University. After serving as the commanding officer of the 10th Marine Regiment, he completed his career as the Marine Liaison officer to TRADOC at Fort Monroe. He is survived by his son Michael, his wife Pamela, their sons Michael, his wife Brooke, and their children Grant and Darby, by Brian and his wife Erin, their daughters Emerson and Dylan, and by Jeff, Capt. US Army. Also by his son Francis, his wife Grace and daughters Mary Baker, her husband Josias, and by their daughter Madison. The Colonel’s daughter Susan Rozell, her husband Lance, their son Thor and his wife Amanda reside in Fitchburg. Also, his brother Vyto, of Royalston, his wife Patricia, their son John, and daughters Julie, Amy, and Kristy, and grandsons David, James, Beck, and Jonas. Other close family: Peter Salkaus and his wife Aldona, Agatha Salkaus, George Girardi and wife Judy, nieces Debbie Reicher and Elaine Salkaus He was predeceased by his beloved Anna, known to her loved ones as Peewee, who as a military wife was his bulwark and soulmate over long periods during military assignments in service to the nation. They were married for 54 years. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, April 22, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis Church, 105 Main St. Athol. Burial with military honors will follow at Gethsemane Cemetery The family will receive friends Friday, April 22, 9:30 to 10:30 AM at the Fiske-­Murphy & Mack Funeral Home, 110 New Athol Road Orange.