Harry Francis

Harold (Harry) Paul Francis of Denver, Colorado passed away on September 3, 2021 at the age of 91.

Harry was born on May 7, 1930, in St. John's, Newfoundland. He was one of seven children.

In 1951, Harry joined the U.S. military, serving as an automotive service mechanic in the Air Force. He earned the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, and United Nations Service Medal. In 1956, he found himself at the Irish Colonial Hall in Brookline, MA, where he met and fell for Debbie Moriarity; they were married on November 24 of that same year. After getting married, Harry and Debbie welcomed their son Jim and bought a house in Feeding Hills, Massachusetts. Seven years later, they moved across the country to Los Angeles. California did not quite suit the Francis family, so on their way back to the east coast, they stopped in Denver and fell in love. They decided to make Colorado their new home and soon after welcomed Colleen to their family.

After settling in Colorado, Harry started his own business—Harry's Vending Service—and worked as a vendor, servicing food and candy vending machines across the Denver metro area. His true passion in life, however, was music. Harry was a self-taught singer and guitar player and quickly mastered the art of Irish drinking songs, ballads, and laments. Harry's singing became a staple at family gatherings and parties—including weddings where Harry sang the newlywed's first dance song. After being gifted studio time in 1997, Harry released two albums—Harry's All-Time Greatest Hits, volumes 1 and 2—full of his favorite songs and colorful commentary.

In his later years, as his memory left him, his charm, love of entertaining his family, and kindness never did. Until the end, Harry made all those around him smile. He will be deeply missed and cherished always.

Harry is survived by his son Jim Francis (Jessica Farson), daughter Colleen Francis Knight (Scott), grandsons Cory Francis (Ceci Olivos) and Chris Francis (Victoria), granddaughters Jamie Winkler (Chris), and Doreen and Annah Knight, great-grandsons Mason and Logan Winkler. He is the proud uncle of Paul Francis, Derrick Francis, Glenn Cake, Gary Cake, Les Cake, Gail Miller, Jim Barrett and Ellie Hynes.

Services will be held on Saturday, September 25, 2021. The Recitation of the Rosary will begin at 9:30AM, followed by a Funeral Mass with Cremated Remains at 10:00AM at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Denver, Colorado. (To attend services over livestream, please click here )

You are invited to join the family for a Wake immediately following the church services at Jamie Winkler’s Home, 7601 East 130th Ave, Thornton, CO 80602. Food and drinks will be provided.

Memorial Donations may be made in Harry's honor to Meals on Wheels to P.O. Box 791568, Baltimore, MD 21279-1568 or online at https://give.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/

Please share memories of Harry and condolences with his family by visiting the Tribute Wall.