Francis M. Gilroy

Cherished Father

And Grandfather

Francis “Frank” M. Gilroy, 92, died January 20, at Masonic Healthcare Center in Wallingford, with his family at his side. He struggled valiantly with Alzheimer’s disease for 13 years. Born April 9, 1917, in Waterbury, he was the son of Ellen Dolan Gilroy and Michael Gilroy.

He leaves to cherish his memory four children, including Gary Gilroy of Newtown; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; special friends, Althea and Sy Simons; and his caregivers at Masonic Healthcare Center. He was predeceased by his devoted wife Elizabeth (O’Brien) Gilroy; and six siblings.

He proudly served his country and was a veteran of World War II. He served in the Armed Guard, US Navy. He was a member of the Elks Club and the VFW. He retired from Uniroyal, where he was a millworker.

Mr Gilroy was an avid fisherman and won many salt-water fishing trophies, the most memorable for a 63-pound, 12-ounce striped bass caught from the surf in Rhode Island. He was a delightful, kind and caring person who never failed to bring a smile to those around him.

The family is eternally grateful to the loving staff at Masonic Healthcare Center, Wooster 3, and the Masonic Hospice staff.

Friends are invited to a mass of Christian burial at St Francis Church, 318 Church Street in Naugatuck, on Saturday, January 30, at 10 am. Military Burial will follow at St James Cemetery, Naugatuck. There are no calling hours. Buckmiller Brothers Funeral Home, 82 Fairview Avenue in Naugatuck, is in charge of arrangements.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Masonic Charity Foundation of Connecticut, 22 Masonic Avenue, PO Box 70, Wallingford CT 06492, or Masonicare Home Health and Hospice, 33 North Plains Industrial Road, Wallingford CT 06492.

For online condolences visit BuckmillerBrothers.com.

The Newtown Bee        January 29, 2010