Francis O. Hall
December 1, 1931 — February 22, 2011
GREENFIELD, MA. – Francis O. Hall, 79, of Greenfield, MA, died unexpectedly Tuesday, February 22 nd , in Franklin Medical Center, Greenfield.
He was born in Wilmington, VT on December 1, 1931, son of the late Herman and Hazel (Bates) Hall and had lived in Greenfield for many years. Before moving to Greenfield, he worked as a farmhand in Phillipston, MA, where he met and married Wilma Mae Mitchell on April 26, 1952. The couple moved to Greenfield a few years later and opened Fran and Dom’s Store, which they operated until 1963.
During the years of operating the store, Francis worked as a press operator and paper cutter at the former Minott Printing Co in Greenfield, MA until it closed, and then at Pioneer Litho in Turner’s Falls, MA. He retired from Bete Fog Nozzle Co., where he worked for several years as a machine operator.
Francis served in the United States Army Reserves from 1949 to 1955. He was a 50 year member and Past Master of Republican Lodge of Masons in Greenfield.
Francis loved his birthplace of Wilmington, VT and the vast mountains of his “home” state. He had enjoyed deer hunting in his younger days and liked best the peacefulness of a good hike in the woods. He loved breakfast out at the Notch and visiting with his relatives and neighbors. He especially loved motorcycles and was a huge Harley Davidson fan. He was a very generous person, especially with the gifts of his motorcycles to his nephews.
His wife, Wilma (Mitchell) Hall, died in 2003. A brother, Gerald L. Hall and a nephew, Patrick A. Hall, predeceased him, as well as his brothers H. Oscar Hall, William Hall and a sister, Gertrude (Hall) (Mitchell) Kline. He leaves two sisters, Glenna Seaver of Greenfield and Elva Fish of Killington, VT, as well as many nephews and nieces.
Graveside services will be held Saturday, April 30 th at 1 P.M. in Lower Cemetery, Phillipston, MA. Following the burial, family and friends are invited to the Phillipston Congregational Church for a time of fellowship and support.
There are no calling hours.
Memorial donations may be made to Republican Masonic Lodge AF & AM, PO Box 21, Greenfield, MA. 01301 or to the charity of one’s choice.