Francis was also survived by daughters Lisa Downie and husband Tom of Franklin, and Karen Mazzola DiTroia of Acworth, Ga.; brothers Norman Joseph Mazzola of Dover, Del., Phillip Mazzola of LaGrange, Ga., Donald Mazzola of Tewksbury, Paul Mazzola of Brookline, and Larry Mazzola of Columbia, S.C.; sisters Theresa Aiello of Brighton, and Janet Proia of Brewster; grandchildren Matthew Mazzola of Somerville, Danielle and Taylor Downie, Monika and Drake DiTroia, and Andrew and Justin Mazzola.

He was predeceased by parents Antonio Henry and Elizabeth (Sampson) Mazzola; brother Richard Mazzola of Newton, and sisters Rita Mazzola of Newton, Alice Rizza of Randolph, and Bernadette Marino of Uxbridge.  

Francis was born June 15, 1937 in Newton.  He was a resident of Franklin for the past 35 years and a former resident of Bellingham. Raised in Newton, he was a graduate of Newton High School Class of 1957. He served in the US Army Reserves for 6 years. In addition to being employed as a meat cutter for Star Market for 37 years, Mr. Mazzola was later employed as a special needs van driver for the Franklin Public Schools until his retirement in 2010 after 13 years of service.

He enjoyed everything in life and as a hard worker, he did it all. An avid Red Sox and Patriots fan, he coached and umpired Little League and Senior League Baseball in Bellingham and Franklin, as well as served as a Group Leader for Boy-Cub Scout Troop 100. He received the 1999 Volunteer Recognition Award from the Franklin Youth Baseball League and a special Service Recognition Award from the Franklin School Committee in 2010. Most importantly, he cherished spending time with his family and friends.

Relatives and friends attended his calling hours on Sunday, March 4 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin, 131 Main St., Franklin. His funeral was held Monday, March 5 from the Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin at 9 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Marys Catholic Church, One Church Square, Franklin at 10 a.m.  Interment will follow at Blue Hills Cemetery in Braintree.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be sent to Best Buddies Massachusetts- Franklin Chapter, c/o 27 Dover Circle, Franklin MA 02038 or online at http://bestbuddies.org/donate