Francis P. Witts

ORANGE - Francis P. Witts, 63 of 519 East River St., Orange, died Sunday, July 20, 2014 in the Athol Memorial Hospital, Athol, MA after suffering a heart attack at home.    He was born in Lowell, on April 17, 1951, the son of the late Thomas and the late Catherine H. (Brogan) Witts. Frank graduated high school from Keith Academy in Lowell, as well as Merrimack College in 1974 with a degree in Psychology.  He was a member of the Nu Phi Kappa fraternity in college and played hockey there. Frank was a very talented man and he took on many professional roles beginning as a mental health counselor.  From 1980-1990 he was the Executive Director of GAAHMA.  He also worked as a probation and parole officer in Caribou, Maine.  He had a passion and talent for cooking and he spent many years working as a chef for his profession as well as for his family and friends.  He also shared this knowledge with others as an instructor of culinary arts.  Everyone loved Frank's cooking. Frank had many interests, including singing.  In high school, he enjoyed singing with his barber shop quartet.  He also sang in many local church choirs with his wife Lauran.  He was most recently an active member of the Congregational Church of Phillipston.  He was a loyal sports fan.  He loved watching the Bruins, Patriots, Red Sox but most of all Notre Dame Football.  His most recent highlight was being a part of his son Jason’s  #91 late model sportsman race team.  He most enjoyed spending time with his family and throwing the ball for his beloved dog Angelina.      He leaves his wife of 39 years: Lauran (Cody) Witts, one son: Jason Witts and his wife Jennifer and their daughter Amelia (Milly) of Dixmont, ME; one daughter: Catherine Witts and her companion Pablo Martinez and her children Eryn and Elysia Witts: one brother; Thomas Witts and his wife Patricia of Dracut, MA; one sister-in-law:  Sharon Witts of Tyngsboro; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two brothers:  Robert and William Witts.      Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 29, 2014 at 11 a.m. at the Phillipston Congregational Church.  Calling hour is scheduled to take place at the church from 9:30-11 a.m.at the church.   His burial will follow in Silver Lake Cemetery located in Athol. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Athol Animal Shelter, Thrower Road, Athol, MA or to the charity of your choice.   To send an online condolence, please visit www.fiskemurphymack.com Fiske-Murphy & Mack funeral Home, 110 New Athol Rd., Orange is directing arrangements. $(document).ready(function(){ });