Francis X. Gribbon, our amazing Dad, passed away on November 23, to the welcoming arms of his loving wife, Eleanor, and his daughter Maryann. Francis was born on February 21, 1922, in a railroad style flat on 8th Avenue, in New York City, to Francis and Florence Gribbon. He was the middle child of 7Continue Reading
Francis X. Gribbon, our amazing Dad, passed away on November 23, to the welcoming arms of his loving wife, Eleanor, and his daughter Maryann. Francis was born on February 21, 1922, in a railroad style flat on 8th Avenue, in New York City, to Francis and Florence Gribbon. He was the middle child of 7 children, all who pre-deceased him; Father Jim, Aunt Butts, infant Mary, Aunt Mary, Uncle Charlie, and Uncle Bob. His oldest daughter, Maryann McConnell, who he referred to as “the diamond”, also predeceased him six years ago.Dad grew up in Manhattan with this large and loving family, loyal parishioners of St. Joseph of the Holy Family Catholic church, a fitting patron for this faithful, hard-working family. He attended Columbia University to study engineering, after one year of study, he was drafted into the Army in January 1943. Dad was so blessed in his service assignments; he was selected to continue engineering studies at Virginia Tech Institute for one year, then subsequently sent to Camp Crowder to study radio repair, followed by Fort Monmouth, NJ to study radar repair. He never left the States, and felt he had it ‘way too easy’ compared to his three brothers, and his brother-in-law Leonard Kuntz, all who served in difficult overseas combat duties during WWII and the Korean War. Dad completed his engineering degree at Virginia Tech on the GI Bill. Yes, the Army was a very beneficial experience for Dad, and also because he met Eleanor during this time. The stories of their courtship is rich, family lore!Dad and Eleanor settled in Massapequa Park, a suburb of NYC, in 1951 and raised seven children, Maryann McConnell (Robert), Ellen Hotz (Robert), Maureen D’Aquisto, Patricia Randazzo (Jack), Francis Gribbon (Maria Lourdes), Grace Banker (Bart) and Eileen McLoughlin (Jim). His siblings Mary, Charlie and Bob also settled in this lovely village. Mom and Dad were among the first parishioners of St. Rose of Lima in Massapequa, contributing to building the church and school where they educated all their children. Mom and Dad are also survived by 17 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren, and a tribe of nieces and nephews. Growing up in the same town, and even on the same block, learning and living Christian values, is a highly treasured gift from our parents we all treasure.Friends and relatives are invited to call and visit with the family at the Massapequa Funeral Home, the South Chapel, located at 1050 Park Blvd., Massapequa Park, NY 11762. Wake services are Thursday evening, November 29, 7:00pm to 9:30pm; Friday afternoon, November 30, 2:00pm to 4:30pm and 7:00 to 9:30pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 9:00am Saturday, December 1st at St. Rose of Lima Parish, 2 Bayview Avenue, Massapequa, NY 11758. All are welcome!In Lieu of flowers, consider donations in memory of Francis X. Gribbon to:St Martin of Tours Church37 Union AveAmiityville, NY 11701(put in memo line Our Lady of Fatima Church Philippines)Donation will be forwarded to this church's building fund.orRegis High School, 55 East 84th Street, NYC, NY 10028 Regis High School Annual Fund (https://regis.org/give/donations.cfm?type=af)
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