Obituary of Francis R. Powell

Cheshire – Francis R. Powell, 74, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 7, 2016 surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Wendy Powell. Mr. Powell was born September 3, 1942, the son of the late William and Margaret (Bresnahan) Powell. He was a graduate of Sacred Heart High School in Waterbury; Class of 1960, and The University of New Haven, where he attained degrees in mechanical and electrical engineering. Fran loved traveling, visiting most states and dozens of countries throughout the world. He enjoyed theatre and golfing and was a devoted N.Y. Yankees fan. Fran began his career as part owner of Mark Eyelet, Inc. with his uncle Fred Rinaldi. Later in his career, he was the owner of Newmark, Inc., which produced parts used in medical applications. He was on the Board of Directors of Ion Bank, and was a member of the Naugatuck Exchange Club and the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. He was also the proud host of his legendary St. Patrick’s Day parties. In addition to his wife, Wendy, Fran is survived by his son Brian Powell of Kennebunkport Me., and his daughter, Erin Vespe of Wheaton, Md. He will also be missed by his cousin, John Rinaldi of Kennebunkport. Arrangements – Funeral services for Mr. Powell will be held Friday, October 14, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Church of the Epiphany, 1750 Huckins Rd, Cheshire. Friends are asked to meet directly at church. Calling hours will be held on Thursday from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Cheshire, 615 S. Main St., Cheshire. At the request of his family, memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, may be made to the Greater Waterbury Interfaith Ministries, 770 East Main Street, Waterbury, CT 06702 or The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, P.O. Box 4527, New York, NY 10163.