Francis J. Marnell, Jr.

October 21, 1930 — December 11, 2020

Francis J. Marnell, Jr, age 90, passed away on Friday, December 11, 2020 in the Bay Path Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Duxbury, Massachusetts. Born in Brookline, Massachusetts on October 21, 1930, he was the son of the late Francis and Mary (Sellers) Marnell. He was raised in the Whiskey Point Neighborhood of Brookline and graduated from Brookline High School with the Class of 1948. Following his graduation, Fran took a truck driver's position with Hillside Market in Brighton.

As the United States began taking more of an active role in Korea, Fran was inducted into the United States Army, proudly serving his country. He was stationed with Company A, 41st Armored Infantry Battalion and spent over a year and a half serving in Germany. After a little more than two years of active service, Fran was honorably discharged in August of 1953. Upon his return home to Brookline, Fran sought out employment with the Department of Public Works.

While attending a reunion from his Whiskey Point Neighborhood, Fran reunited with a childhood neighbor and friend, Claire Flaherty. The couple quickly fell in love and were married on August 1, 1981 in the backyard of a home they purchased on Clarkson Drive in Walpole. Once they returned from their honeymoon at Niagara Falls, Frank returned to his position with the DPW, eventually earning the position of General Foreman of Highway Department before his retirement in 1995.

While he worked hard, nothing made Fran happier than coming home to his beloved wife, Claire. Together, they enjoyed cheering for their favorite teams, the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots. Frank and Claire also enjoyed trips to Ogunquit, Maine and Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire. Most of all, he loved being home, surrounded by his family.

Beloved husband of the late Claire (Flaherty) Marnell.

Loving stepfather of Marybeth F. Hickey and her husband, Paul, of Marston Mills, Michael F. Ferguson of Tempe, Arizona, Caroline J. Ferguson and her husband, Arthur Dwyer, of Nantucket, Robert F. Ferguson of Moultonborough, New Hampshire, and the late Thomas J. Ferguson.

Cherished grandfather of Shane T. Ferguson and Jennifer Rounds of Phoenix, Arizona

Brother of the late Richard Marnell, the late Kathleen Day, and the late Beverley Fortin.

He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Richard Fortin and his many loving nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Frank's Mass of Christian Burial that will be celebrated in Blessed Sacrament Church, 10 Diamond Street, Walpole on Friday, December 18, 2020 at 10:30 AM. Interment will follow in Saint Francis Cemetery in Walpole. Visiting hours are respectfully omitted at the request of Fran's family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association 309 Waverley Oaks Road Waltham, MA 02452.

Arrangements by James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, Walpole.

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Francis J. Marnell, Jr.

October 21, 1930 — December 11, 2020

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