Obituary of Lieutenant Franklin C. Bancroft

Boston Fire Dept Lieut. Franklin C. Bancroft, Ret., beloved husband of Dorothy (Rodrigues) Bancroft of Peabody, died unexpectedly Saturday morning at his home following a brief illness. Born in Troupsburg, NY, he was the son of the late Clarence N. and Etha (McWilliams) Bancroft. He lived in New York in his youth, and attended schools in Arkport, NY. He lived in East Boston for several years, and moved to Peabody where he lived for many years. He was a veteran of the Korean Conflict, with service in the United States Navy, stationed on the USS Coral Sea, and continued in the Naval Reserves until 1962. Mr. Bancroft entered the Boston Fire Dept. where he served for 34 years, stationed with Engine 56 in East Boston as a Fire Fighter, and then eventually was promoted to Lieutenant and assigned to East Boston Engine 5 for several years. He served as acting Captain for a short time before retiring about seven years ago. He was a man with great devotion and Christian faith. He was very active in the South Congregational Church in Peabody, and served as a Deacon in the church. He loved nature and being outdoors, gardening, and devotion to family and friends. He was athletic and enjoyed playing basketball while he served in the Navy, and especially at the Salem YMCA. He was also a member of the AFL-CIO Union, Local 718 in Boston, Florian Hall. He is survived by: his wife, Dorothy (Rodrigues) Bancroft of Peabody, with whom he shared 45 years of marriage; two sons and daughters-in-law, Richard & Maryann Bancroft of Melrose and John & Shannon Bancroft of Peabody; one daughter and son-in-law, Cynthia & James Allison of Peabody; seven grandchildren; a brother, David Senear of NY; three sisters, Rose Forrester, June Perry, and Dorothea Coletta, all of NY, and many nieces and nephews. His funeral will be held on Wednesday at 9:30 AM in the South Congregational Church, Prospect St., Peabody to which relatives and friends are kindly invited. A visitation will be held on Tuesday from 4 to 8 P.M. in the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur facility at 12 Chestnut St. of the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, Peabody. Burial will be in Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of the North Shore, 10 Elm St., Danvers, MA 01923