Charles C. Francis Obituary
Charles (Chuck) C. Francis, husband of Mary B. Francis of Rockport, MA, died on April 8, 2023. He was the son of Charles C. and Mary Alice (Sieg) Francis, also of Rockport.
Chuck had a 53-year career in information technology and rose to the position of Vice President and Chief Information Officer for 2 large companies. He also managed several major software development projects in the 60's, 70's, and 80's before opening his own consulting practice in the 1990's.
Chuck's passion during all these times, however, was social justice, and as a long-time Unitarian Universalist, he pursued initiatives that fought racism and promoted opportunities for the poor, especially young people. He won a major award from the District of Columbia Youth Opportunity Services for working with inner city African Americans for whom he provided numerous job opportunities and guidance.
Believing strongly in the UU principle that affirms the dignity and worth of each person, he also worked closely with young inmates in the Montgomery County and state of Maryland jail systems, providing prerelease work opportunities. Most recently, he volunteered as the Essex rep with Compassion & Choices, working on medical aid in dying legislation for Massachusetts.
At his churches over the years, he held numerous leadership positions, most recently co-chair of the Adult Education Committee.
He was a member of Rockport Rotary, where he served on the Board.
Chuck is survived by the girl of his dreams, his wife Mary; five outstanding children: Norman Francis and his wife Amy, Lisa O'Neill and her husband Terry, Rebecca O'Neill and her husband Steve, Holly Balshem and her husband Bill, and Sarah Weir and her husband Jeff. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 7 great granddaughters, as well as his brother John Francis and sister Judith Harris.
In his free time, Chuck, whose grandmother Nelle C. Sieg was a well-known still life painter, painted in oils and was also a short story writer.
At Chuck's request, services will be private.
In lieu of flowers, please contribute to Compassion & Choices, or the Cape Ann organizations Pathways for Children, Action Inc. or Wellspring. Or join and work for one of the many racial equality initiatives in your area.
