Obituary of Bruce C. Francis

Bruce Clinton Francis, a longtime resident of New Vernon, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, August 24, 2024 surrounded by his family. He was 89. 

Bruce is survived by his loving  wife of 60 years, Elizabeth “Betty” Francis (née Rose);devoted father to  Colleen, Patrick and his wife Isabella, Beth and her husband Blair Knapp; cherished grandfather to Brittany and Ryan Keil, Bryan and Gianna Francis, and Mackenzie Knapp. 

Bruce was born in Newark to the late George and Alice Francis. He graduated Berkshire School in Sheffield, MA in 1954 and went on to earn his Bachelor’s of Science in Economics from Villanova University in 1958, before serving honorably in the United States Army Reserve from 1959 to 1965. He and Betty were married in 1965 and settled in New Vernon in 1967 where they raised their family. 

Bruce went on to join his father at the family business, as a third-generation automobile dealer. He had a long career operating both dealerships, Norris Chevrolet in Westfield and Francis Chevrolet in Irvington.  After retiring from the auto industry, Bruce transitioned to a new career at the NJ Sports Authority at the Brendan Byrne Arena, later Continental Arena,as well as, Giant Stadium where he worked for 18 years as Suite Manager. 

Bruce was a sports enthusiast for his entire life, excelling in baseball and basketball in high school, and played intramural football and basketball at Villanova University. He was also a devoted New York Yankees fan and loved watching Villanova football and basketball. He so loved Villanova and his time there he named one of his trotter race horses Villanova’s Pride.

Bruce was instrumental in starting the first children’s baseball team in Harding and later he coached Harding Little League for years.

Bruce was an avid reader and especially loved reading about history. He was also known for his love of Christmas and his Christmas tree decorating was second to none.

Bruce was a hard-working, good natured, thoughtful, kind, humorous, loving man, who had manners to his last day, a man with a strong Catholic faith who cherished his family and friends. With all he achieved in his lifetime, Bruce’s most proud title was that of father and grandfather. He was tremendously proud of his family, especially his grandchildren. 

Although he will be deeply missed by his family and friends, Bruce lived a full and remarkable life, leaving an indelible legacy for generations to come.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend a visitation for Bruce to be held on Tuesday, August 27, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at the Church of Christ the King, 16 Blue Mill Road, New Vernon.

Entombment with military honors will follow at Gate of Heaven Mausoleum, East Hanover.

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made in Bruce’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105