Albert J Francks, beloved husband, Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather, passed peacefully on May 13, 2022. Albert’s family has been with him to express their love and appreciation for all he has done for them, for his big heart, and the genuine joy he shared when in the company of his family.
Born in New Castle, DE, Albert worked hard to learn skills and take care of his family. He met his wife of 64 years, Margaret Elizabeth Francks (nee Carston) during his Air Force service in England. Theirs is truly a love story with Margaret from New Castle upon Tyne, England and Albert from New Castle, Delaware - meeting, falling in love and making a life together in the US. We all have many happy memories and stories of their meeting and early years together. He loved the music of the 50s/60s, a great night out dancing, and joyful times with their friends in the pubs.
Albert enjoyed bowling, softball, golf and many social activities in his younger years. He loved to boat, fish and expected every member of his family to pick and relish dozens of delicious Maryland crabs. His patience and adventurous spirit were fully available to his daughters, Karen E. Francks, and her partner, David W. Johnson and Michele Hensey (nee Pucci & Francks) and her husband, David Hensey. He never hesitated to share his DIY wisdom with his daughters who were expected to learn how to use power tools, properly paint a house, and deal with minor repairs and electrical work. We are thankful for all he shared with us, especially the fishing trips on Noxontown Pond when we were young. His love and desire to share and teach extended to his granddaughters, Jessica M. Pucci, and her partner, William D. Thomey, and Theresa E. Kaskey, and her husband ,Jonathan L. Kaskey. When Theresa and Jessica were in elementary school, he would pick them up after school each day and share joyful hours in the swimming pool together. As they neared 16, he was their patient and fun driving instructor, so they knew how to drive a stick shift from early on. His great granddaughters, Ava E. Kaskey and Isla L. Kaskey turned his smiles back into giggles over recent years. He loved baking cookies for them each time they visited and was as generous and tender toward them as he was with his grandchildren and children before them. Albert’s love extended to his son-in-law, David Hensey and David’s son, Matthew D. Hensey of Milton Keynes, England. We all have many happy memories of our attempts to golf with him, erratic driving of the golf cart and other misadventures while they lived in Baywood, Sussex County, DE. Many of these memories include his beloved niece, Pamela Stringer and her family, and nephew, David Allsopp and his family. An especially happy memory we all have is how special our Christmases always were together…the only thing Dad ever asked for every year was for us all to be healthy and happy.
Albert loved animals and nature, and doted over his dogs and cats as he would babies; we’re certain we all have many nicknames for our pets thanks to him.
Albert was an accomplished welder, past President of the Association of Builders and Contractors and a longtime employee of Chicago Bridge & Iron and then Bruce Industrial. He worked hard to advance from welding to teaching welding at DelTech and then supervising and managing others before his retirement.
Albert cared for Maggie tirelessly over the years and nurtured her and his family through illness and loss. He was our family’s foundation and will be greatly missed. In addition to his immediate family, Albert is survived by his brother, Paul Francks and his sister, Joan Moroney. He was preceded in death by his Mother, Agnes Francks and his Father, Harry Francks, and several siblings. He leaves behind many nieces, nephews and extended family in both the US and England.
A committal service will be held in the chapel of the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery at 11:00am on Tuesday, May 31, 2022. Fellowship following the graveside service will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Faithful Friends, 12 Germay Drive, Wilmington, DE 19805 or to your local Food Bank.
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