FRANCIS J. RONCO
SANGERVILLE, Francis J. Ronco, 86, died May 10, 2004, at a Dover-Foxcroft nursing home. He was born April 13, 1918, in Sangerville, son of George W. and Emma Adelle (Wentworth) Ronco. He attended local schools and graduated from Sangerville High School. He worked for Maine Central Railroad for 30 years, until his retirement. Francis and his wife, Barbara then enjoyed spending 20 winters in Florida. He was a member of the South Sangerville Grange and was a communicant of Holy Family Catholic Church in Sangerville. Francis played his saxophone and clarinet in local bands and his beautiful voice was known throughout the area.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Barbara L. (Hill) Ronco of Sangerville; 2 sons, F. Douglas Ronco and his wife, Connie of Winterport and Dana Ronco and his wife, Barbara of Saco; 4 daughters, Nancy Burgoyne of Dover-Foxcroft, Ellen King and her husband, Darrell of Newport, Betty Bridges and her husband, Earl of Stetson, and Avis Davis and her husband, Donald of Belfast; a brother, Robert Ronco and his wife, Lorraine of Corinth; a sister, Mary Drew of Sangerville; 17 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; special friends, Guy and Nancy Elms and Jim and Sylvia Cross. Francis was predeceased by a sister, Pauline Caisse, 2 special sons-in-law, Roger Burgoyne and Neilan Robichaud and a nephew, Joseph Caisse.

Friends may call 6-8 PM Wednesday at the Crosby & Neal Funeral Home, 21 Oak St. in Guilford. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 11 AM Thursday, May 13, 2004, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Sangerville with the Rev. Fr. James Robichaud officiating. Burial will be in the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Dexter.

The family would like to especially mention the wonderful care Francis received from Dr. Usha Reddy and the thoughtful staff of Hibbard Nursing Home, especially his nurse, Colleen Belvin. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make donations to the Activity Fund, Hibbard Nursing Home, P.O. Box 150, Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426.