Francis A. Zipps
Loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather, 95
Francis A. Zipps, 95, a lifelong Lowell resident, died Saturday, July 2nd at D’Youville Senior Care with his loving family by his side. He was the beloved husband of the late Margaret A. (Driscoll) Zipps who died September 16, 2002.
Born in Lowell, Massachusetts, January 5, 1921, a son of the late John T. and the late Hannah (Neeson) Zipps, he attended Lowell schools and was a graduate of Lowell High School in the Class of 1939.
A veteran of World War II, Francis proudly served his country at the rank of Sergeant in the U.S. Army and was a recipient of the Purple Heart with the Bronze Arrowhead, the Good Conduct Medal and the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Service Medal with four stars.
Before retiring, Francis was employed as a Proofreader with the Courier Citizen in Lowell for over 36 years. Following his retirement he worked at the Dracut Senior Center and volunteered delivering Meals on Wheels.
Among his many activities, Francis enjoyed golfing and playing horseshoes and billiards. He was also an avid New England sports fan, especially of the Patriots. Above all else though, being a true family man, he loved the quality time he spent with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Francis is survived by five daughters Nancy Lamoureux of Hudson, NH, Judith Fairbrother and her husband David Levasseur of North Chelmsford, MA, Maureen Scott and her husband Wayne of Pepperell, MA, Laurie Brodeur and her husband Mark of Tyngsboro, MA and Pamela Zipps of Lowell, MA; two sons Paul Zipps and his wife Cris of Aurora, CO and Richard Zipps and his wife Diane of Dracut, MA; twenty-four grandchildren; twenty-three great-grandchildren; three sisters Theresa Riley of Chelmsford, MA, Claire Patronick of Lowell, MA and Eleanor McCann of Pelham, NH; and many nieces and nephews.
He was also father of the late Daniel Zipps, Margaret Harnois, James Zipps and Barbara Zipps-Glass and brother of the late Kathleen Zipps, Walter Zipps, Mildred Sullivan, Shirley Gilbert and Gerald Zipps.
Friends may call at the O'DONNELL FUNERAL HOME, 276 PAWTUCKET ST. at FLETCHER in Lowell from 4 to 8 P.M. on Wednesday. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Mass to be celebrated Thursday morning at ST. MARGARET CHURCH in Lowell at 10 o'clock. Burial in St. Patrick Cemetery in Lowell. E-condolences/directions at www.odonnellfuneralhome.com. Those wishing may make contributions in his memory to St. Margaret Church Renewal & Renovation Fund, 374 Stevens St, Lowell, MA 01851. Arrangements by Funeral Directors James F. O'Donnell, Jr. and John W. Crane (978 or 866).
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