Francis J. Laford

ATHOL - Francis Joseph Laford, 94, of 49 Myrtle Street, Athol, died on Friday, November 19, 2010 at home with his family by his side. He was born in Lyon Mountain, New York, on March 29, 1916, the son of the late William and the late Louise (Facteau) Laford. Mr. Laford was a graduate of Athol High School and a resident of Athol for ninety years. He worked for the former Athol Manufacturing for twenty-eight years as a color matcher, then at Troy Mills in Troy NH until his retirement in 1979. Mr. Laford was a member of St. Francis Assisi Church and a former member of several local organizations, including the Knights of Columbus in Athol and the Athol Rod and Gun Club. Francis enjoyed fishing, golfing and playing pool. Francis was a talented woodworker who enjoyed carving and chair caning. He leaves four sons, Ronald F. Laford and his wife Janet Galbraith of Anchorage, Alaska, Eugene J. Laford and his wife Eileen of Springfield, Timothy W. Laford and his wife Susan of Bernardston, Andre R. Laford and his wife Maria of Athol; three daughters, Ann L. Gipps and her husband Frederick of Ashburnham, Frances St. Onge and her husband Michael of Athol, Marita E. Meuse and her husband Daniel of Athol; nineteen grandchildren, twenty one great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife of forty-three years, Marion W. (Ingalls) Laford, on June 23, 1980; also by two daughters, Mary Margaret Laford in 1950, Catherine Kelly in 2004 and by three grandchildren, Jay Chiasson in 1979, John Chiasson in 1996 and Andre Laford Jr. in 1980. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, November 24, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. in St. Francis of Assisi Church, 101 Main St. Athol. Burial will follow in Gethsemane Cemetery, Athol. Calling hours will be held Tuesday, November 23, 2010 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Murphy Funeral Home, 137 Main Street, Athol. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made in him memory to St. Francis Of Assisi Church, 101 Main St., Athol MA 01331 or to a charity of one's choice. For more information or to sign our online guest book please visit www.murphysfuneralhome.com. Murphy Funeral Home, 137 Main St., Athol, is directing arrangements. $(document).ready(function(){ });