Obituary of Francis J. Fennessy

Francis Joseph Fennessy of Manchester, formerly of East Hartford, beloved husband of Rosemary (Lyons) Fennessy died peacefully at home on Thursday at the age of 95. Born in Troy, NY to Catherine Burns and Edward Fennessy, Frank was the second of four children. Upon graduating Watervliet High School, he set off for Siena College in Loudonville, NY where he excelled in math and science and eventually graduated cum laude with a degree in physics. Upon graduating Siena in 1943, he enlisted in the United States Army and was sent overseas to fight in World War II as part of the 134th Infantry. He was the recipient of the Bronze Star Medal for heroic service. On February 26, 1945, when in HIlfarth, Germany his unit reached a bridge spanning the Roer River. It was discovered that the bridge had a tremendous demolition charge beneath it, where upon Private Fennessy, a rifleman, volunteered to reach an engineer unit, which he successfully accomplished, although he was twice fired upon by enemy machine guns and pinned-down by enemy artillery while so engaged. He then led the engineer unit to the site, the demolition charge was removed and the infantry unit made its river crossing. It was said that his courage, tenacity of purpose and devotion to duty reflected his character as a soldier. After being honorably discharged from the Army in 1945, Frank relocated to East Hartford, CT after marrying Rosemary Lyons (also of Watervliet, NY) to work for Pratt & Whitney where he would work for 38 years. He started as a professional engineer and worked his way up to corporate director of United Technologies. During his career, he received several commendations including being honored by Connecticut Secretary of State, Barbara Kennelly, for concepting the two-piece aircraft jet turbine blade using untried new manufacturing techniques. He also held several patents including one for the monolithic catalytic converter for jet engines which reduced emissions. He retired from Pratt & Whitney in 1985. Upon retirement he was able to devote himself fully to his true passion—his family. His favorite days were spending time with his kids, grandkids and great-grandchildren at the family reunion every summer at his home in East Hartford. He loved teaching complicated words and their definitions to his grandchildren so that they sounded like geniuses. One of his mantras was “Faith, family and friends” and he frequently told anyone who would listen that he had the best family. He is predeceased by his sisters, Bernadine McGowan, Agnes Fennessy and his brother Edward Fennessy. He is survived by 6 children: Marjorie Tricerri and her husband Lawrence, F. Joseph Fennessy, Doris Flores and her husband Jesse, Janet Fennessy, Rosemary Carroll and her husband Donal and Mike Fennessy and his wife Kristen, eleven grandchildren: Amy, Katie, Jay and Melissa Flores, Owen and his wife Marcia, Dan, Matthew and Meghan Carroll, Anne Tricerri, Aiden and Sarah Fennessy and 2 great-grandchildren: Liam and Maeve Carroll. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 20th from 9:30 to 10:30 at Mulryan Funeral Home 725 Hebron Ave.,Glastonbury, CT followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am in St. James Church in Manchester, CT. Burial with military honors will follow in Silver Lane Cemetery, East Hartford. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Little Sisters of the Poor, 1365 Enfield St. Enfield, CT 06082. We would like to extend a special thanks to the Visiting Nurse’s of Vernon Hospice Care. For online condolences please visit www.mulryanfh.com.