Obituary of Earl S. Francis

Earl S. Francis passed away peacefully sleeping at his home in St. Petersburg on April 3, 2016. He was born in Hartford, CT on May 5, 1932 to Donald and Esther Francis and was a survivor of the 1944 Hartford Circus Fire. Earl graduated from Monson (MA) Academy and moved to St. Petersburg in 1950. After moving, he faithfully served in the US Army during the Korean War. Earl married Carolyn Sandford on Easter Sunday 1956 and graduated from the University of Florida in 1957. He had a lifelong career as a banker in the St. Petersburg area. Earl was a member of Kiwanis, serving as president of the former Boca Ciega Club, a St. Petersburg Yacht club member, and served many years as Scoutmaster and Committee Chair of Troop 301 Boy Scouts. He attended the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle for many years. He was an avid gardener, mullet fisherman, cast net maker, swimmer, loved the Gators, Bucs, and Rays, and had looked forward to Opening Day 2016 with his family. Earl is survived by his son Steve, daughter-in-law Megan, and granddaughter, Evelyn, all of Winter Park; and son, Jeffrey of St. Petersburg. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Carolyn. Visitation will be held on Friday, April 8th from 5-7 PM at the David C. Gross Funeral Home, 6366 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, where a Wake service will begin at 6 PM. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, April 9th, 1 PM at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle (Main Church), 5815 5th Ave. N., St. Petersburg. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested in Earl's memory to the University of Florida Alumni Association or the West Central Council of the Boy Scouts of America. David C. Gross Funeral Homes, Central Avenue Chapel in St. Petersburg is serving the family. Service Information