Herbert K. Francis, Jr., Longtime Westfield Resident
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Herbert K. Francis, Jr, peacefully on Thursday, March 5 at Center for Hope Hospice in Scotch Plains, just one mile from his childhood home. Born in Elizabeth, Herbert was the son of the late Herbert K Sr. and Mary June (Allgair) Francis.
Herb was a graduate of Scotch Plains Fanwood High School and Parsons College in Iowa. After college, he initially worked at the Union County Welfare Board before moving on to the Union County Probation Department. While working there, he received his Masters Degree in Public Administration at Kean University, which enabled him to eventually be promoted to Assistant Chief Probation Officer. He retired in 2017 after 47 years.
Herb was an excellent cook and kept a vegetable garden. He helped coach his sons’ sports teams. He enjoyed a week at Long Beach Island every summer with his family. Herb was an avid reader and enjoyed his morning newspaper over a cup of coffee until his recent hospitalization.
Herb is survived by his wife Jacqueline McLean Francis, sons Timothy and Daniel Francis, siblings David Francis (wife Liz), Peter Francis, and Martha Francis, and beloved nieces Theresa and Valerie Keil who were welcomed into his family. He is survived by other nieces and nephews, Jennifer Francis, Steven Francis, Elizabeth Francis Spangler, Douglas Keil, and Laura Rimarachin; sister-in-law Lorraine Keil; cousins, great nephews and a great niece.
Friends may visit the family on Sunday, March 15, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Dooley Colonial Home in Westfield. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 17 at 11:30am at St. Helen Catholic Church in Westfield. All other services will be held privately.
