Francis C. Maki

Francis C. Maki, 95, of Fitchburg, MA, passed away March 11, 2026, at UMass Memorial Hospital, Worcester, surrounded by his family.

Francis was born on October 23, 1930, in Fitchburg to Carl and Adele (Maillet) Maki, and he lived all of his life in Fitchburg.  He graduated from St. Bernard’s Central Catholic High School, Class of 1948.  He served in the U.S. Army,  and attended Northeastern University.  His career followed as a foreman/supervisor at the James River Paper Company, formerly Weyerhaeuser Paper Company in Fitchburg, and worked part time as a custodian at the St. Bernard’s Elementary School following his retirement.  Francis coached Babe Ruth for many years, and was always an avid Yankee fan.  He enjoyed sharing his backyard pool with his children and grandchildren.  He loved dining out with the love of his life, Marion.  They made several trips together including Las Vegas, where they were joined by family to renew their wedding vows on their 50th anniversary.

Francis was a true family man, always putting his family first,  He provided a summer retreat at Cape Cod every year for the family where many fond memories were made.  He was deeply respected by all his colleagues and everyone he met in his life’s journey.

He is predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Marion, who passed in 2014.  He is survived by his eight children, Karen Brassard and her husband Steven, Sandra Femino and her husband Peter, Peter Maki, Pamela Pinault and her husband Steven, Diane Korich and her husband Lance, Leslie MacShane and her husband Kenneth, Brenda Johnnene and her husband Philip (predeceased), and Jeffrey Maki and his partner Lori Davis.  He leaves seventeen grandchildren (predeceased by two), twenty-six great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. He is also predeceased by his brother, Robert.

Calling hours for Francis will be held on Wednesday, March 18,2026 from 6 until 8p.m. at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Thursday, March 19,2026 @ 11a.m. in St. Bernard Parish @ St. Camillus de Lellis Church, 333 Mechanic St. Fitchburg,MA

Interment with Military Honors, will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery 119 Clarendon St., Fitchburg, MA . All relatives and friends are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers donations in his memory may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association.