KAYNOR TECH TEACHER AND BASEBALL FAN THOMASTON Richard F. Francis, 83, passed away on Friday, September 11, 2020 at 6:09 a.m. at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital after a brief illness. He was the husband of Joan C. (Sullivan) Francis of 60 years. He was born in Waterbury, Connecticut on March 13, 1937, son of the late Frank and Ann E. (Vysocka) Francis. Richard graduated from Warren F. Kaynor Technical School in 1956, the first class to graduate students. He also attended classes at Waterbury State Technical Institute, Central Connecticut State College and Vickers, Inc. Hydraulic School in Detroit, Michigan. His first job after graduating Kaynor Tech was at Vickers, Inc. (Waterbury Tool). He started as a detail draftsman and progressed to assistant engineer of product design in 1965. At that point, he was asked to come back to Kaynor Tech to teach machine drafting. He did so as an instructor and later became the department head in 1977. He was a member of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers from 1969-1970 and acted as a consultant to the Waterbury State Technical Institute, Engineering Department, regarding drafting curriculum. His favorite sports were baseball and competitive target shooting. He was an ardent Brooklyn Dodgers fan since 1947. Richie was an active baseball player in the Waterbury Parks sponsored leagues with teams such as Webster Grammar School National Division, North End Rebels Father Shea League, Kaynor Technical RVTS high school, Lakewood AC Public Parks League, Kingsbury Drug Mercandile League (softball), Vickers, Inc. IRA League (softball). Richie became head baseball coach at Kaynor Tech from 1977 to 1980. He was an active pistol competitor with clubs in various leagues with the State such as Watertown Naugatuck Valley League, Aces Naugatuck Valley League, Bell City MET League and Torrington MET League. He was a life member of the National Rifle Association and a member of the Northwest Connecticut Sportsmens Association. Richard leaves behind his daughter, Deborah Bournival, and her husband Mark of Torrington, his grandson, Andrew Bournival, of Thomaston, his granddaughter, Jennifer Bournival, of Torrington, a brother, Leonard Francis and his wife Madeline of Waterbury and a sister-in-law, Elizabeth (Sullivan) Caron of Middlebury Convalescent Home. He was predeceased by his sister, Carol DesJarlais. He leaves behind nieces and a nephew. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 16, at St. Thomas Church, Thomaston. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Watertown. Calling hours will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 15 at Lyons Funeral Home, 46 High Street, Thomaston, Connecticut. Masks and social distancing are required for the mass and calling hours. To leave notes of comfort for Richards family, visit his tribute page at www.lyonsfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Richards name to St. Judes Childrens Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105. Services Visitation Tuesday September 15, 2020 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Lyons Funeral Home 46 High Street Thomaston, CT 06787 Mass of Christian Burial Wednesday September 16, 2020 11:00 AM Saint Thomas Church 1 East Main Street Thomaston, CT 06787 Cemetery Mt. Olivet Cemetery Watertown, CT