Fran was born in Warwick, Rhode Island, and raised in Ramsey, New Jersey. He moved to Bradenton, Florida in 1981. He married his wife of 43 years in 1982. He was employed by the Sarasota County Fire Department where he was one of the founding members of their Special Operations team. He retired after 37 years of service.
Fran enjoyed hiking with his friends and visiting National Parks with his family. He had a passion for creative arts that shone through woodworking and assisting his daughter with chalk art. Fran loved helping others through volunteering his time and expertise with search and rescue and the Arthritis Foundation. His biggest passion was spending time with his wife, girls, and grandchildren.
Fran is survived by his loving wife Cara; his daughters Jamie (David) Schwerstein and Kellie (Aaron) Koch his seven grandchildren, Rylan, Hailey, Mackenzie, Cody, and Jordan Koch, and Zachary and Jacob Schwerstein; his mother, Dorathea; and brothers, William (Jean), Michael (Tammy), and Edward. Fran was preceded in death by his daughter Katie Taaffe in 2021; his father Jack; and brother Jackie. Fran was a caring son, loyal brother, loving husband, dedicated father, and proud grandfather. The lessons we learned from Fran and memories we made with him will last forever.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Arthritis Foundation Florida in memory of Fran and Katie Taaffe.
A Visitation is going to be held on Friday, January 3, 2025, from 5 pm to 7 pm at Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel: 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209.
A Funeral Mass with Firefighter Honors will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 9:30 am at Saints Peter & Paul the Apostles Catholic Church: 2850 75th St W, Bradenton, FL 34209.
