Francis S. Dowgielewicz

Francis S. Dowgielewicz, 79 of Leicester, died peacefully on July 20 at home with his wife by his side after a long illness.

He leaves his wife of 48 years, Ruth Dowgielewicz, his son Joseph Dowgielewicz and his wife Vidhu Nambiar,his daughter Diane Dowgielewicz and her husband Thomas Schenck, and four beloved grandchildren, Narayani and Vincent Dowgielewicz and Eli and Leo Schenck. He leaves two sisters Lucia Provo and Barbara (Gary) Englander, three sister-in-laws, Darlene Dowgiewicz, Barbara Bechan, and Christine (Christopher) Parmentier. In addition to many dear nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, John and Stacia Dowgielewicz, sister, Theresa Lampron, and brother, Stanley Dowgielewicz.

Francis graduated from David Prouty High School and attended Becker College. He worked in construction for many years and with his father John in the surveying business. He was most recently employed by the North Brookfield School Department as a maintenance worker. He took joy in seeing the elementary school children every day and took pride in providing them a safe and clean environment.

He was an avid vegetable gardener in New England's summer months, sharing the fruits of his labor, growing tomatoes, cucumbers and green beans. He spent many hours in the serenity of nature, cutting wood by his childhood home, listening to the melodic bells of the St. Joseph's abbey which brought him peace.

He enjoyed vacationing in Maine with his wife and his "bench" at Ogunquit beach overlooking the ocean. The card game pitch served as a gathering catalyst, prompting laughter, as he served as his wife's partner in games against family friends and his kids.

He was a member of the Local 98 International Union of Operating Engineers and a member of The Friends of the Leicester Public Library.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Tuesday, August 1 at 10:00 a.m. in St. Pius X Church, 1161 Main St., Leicester. Please go directly to the church. Burial will follow in Mary, Queen of the Rosary Cemetery, Spencer. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be sent to The Friends of the Leicester Public Library, 1136 Main Street, Leicester, MA, 01524.