Francis Leo McLane

Francis (Frank) Leo McLane, of Springfield, passed away peacefully at his home on September 8, 2021, at the age of 93. Born on January 19, 1928, Frank is survived by his loving wife, Margaret of 32 years and his son, Timothy McLane and his wife, Dianne of Easthampton, MA as well as his granddaughters, Jennifer Marrott and her husband, James of Hooper, Utah and Erin Bailey and her husband Ryan of Whately, Massachusetts. He leaves behind four great grandchildren, Grace, Brody, Chandler and Conor. Francis was the son of the late Emmett and Mary McLane of St. Albans, Vermont, where he was born and raised. He was predeceased by his brother, Emmett R. McLane of Virginia and his sister, Katherine Kiristy of Spencer, Massachusetts.

Frank was a proud veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and received an honorable discharge as a Private First Class in 1948, after serving two years. Francis was stationed in Japan.

Anyone who knew Frank knew how much he loved his Irish heritage. He was a 5th generation Irishman and a lifetime member of the Irish Northern Aid along with the John Boyle O’Reilly Club and Sons of Erin. In his younger years, Frank was known to travel to the Catskills, Irish Village of Cape Cod and the local Irish clubs to attend festivals and any event that offered dancing. Anytime you looked for Frank, he was with his beloved Margaret dancing the traditional Irish dances to the Irish music they knew and loved- he rarely missed an event. Francis was an avid Red Sox van and CNN viewer. He was a supporter of the St. Labbe’s Indian School located in Montana.

We would like to thank the Goonan family for their years of patience and assistance. Frank frequently expressed his appreciation for the family, especially the support offered by John and Peter as his health declined.

A private burial will take place at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to St. Labbe’s Indian School.

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