Francis Edward Hathaway Sr.

Francis Edward Hathaway, Sr.March 20, 1937 - December 20, 2016Bradford, VermontFrancis was called home, after a long battle with cancer. He was loved, admired and respected by all who knew him. He lived in Bradford all his life. He attended Bradford Academy, where he played a sousaphone tuba in the marching band, and was a member of the class of 1955. After school, through dedication to a job well-done, and an undeniable charm, he built a great career and reputation as "the man to call", while employed at Perry's Oil Service for more than 36 years.Francis loved nature and was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to hunt, fish and garden. His property is a great example of his green thumb, vibrant with color, spring through fall. In his later years, when he would go hunting, he would take along his camera, and end up shooting more pictures of the wildlife than he did with his guns. Francis enjoyed working with wood and was an amazing craftsman. He whittled an entire farm scene and created scale models of both the Bradford Academy building and the Bradford Library, hand-etching, each brick and tile. He then, generously, donated both models, to the Bradford Historical Society, where they are still on display. He was also a member of the Bradford Fire Department from 1975 - 1992, another example of his dedication to his hometown community.Francis was predeceased by his father Bill Hathaway of Bradford, mother Winifred Wilkins Norcross and step-father Leon Norcross, also of Bradford and a sister Ruth Rose and husband William Rose of Essex Junction.Francis was a loving and devoted family man. He is survived by his beloved wife of 24 years, Marcia, two sisters, Rita Smith and husband Lloyd of Bradford and June Hartley and husband Wendell Sr., also of Bradford. He had two sons, Francis Hathaway, Jr. of Montpelier and John Hathaway, Sr. of Corinth. He had two daughters, Rebecca Buskey of Rumney, NH, and Bethany Hathaway Stevko of Stowe, VT, and two step-daughters, Tammy Pushee of Bradford and Lucinda Pushee Desilets of Canaan, NH. His grandchildren include: Piper Stevko, Ian Hathaway, Nathan Hathaway, Gabriel Hathaway, Zachary Hathaway, Luke Hathaway, Matthew Hathaway, John Hathaway, Jr., Jesse Hathaway, Melissa Gilmore, Billie Jo Buskey, Christopher Buskey, Daniel Buskey, and Elizabeth Buskey. Francis was also, very blessed, to be a Great and a Great-Great Grandfather. As well as a much loved uncle with many nieces and nephews. Francis enjoyed spending time with his family and especially with his grand-children!As Francis requested, there will be no services or calling hours. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory, to The Bradford Historical Society or the Bradford Fire Department.The Hale Funeral Homes and Cremation Care of Bradford, VT are in charge of arrangements.To view an online guestbook, go to www.halefuneralhomes.com

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