“In 1916, and at the age of 3 months, his family moved from East Dorset, Vermont, to Farmington, New Hampshire, after a fire destroyed the G.F. Mooney & Sons wood turning mill. During the trip in the family open touring car, Francis slept in a bureau drawer at the historic Daniel Webster House.” And, so began a journey for Francis Mooney that would, in September 1934, take him once again to Daniel Webster’s “home” and culminate in another visit in 2013 for his 75th reunion at Dartmouth College. I guess there really is a path set up for you when you are born. With profound sadness, we mourn the loss of a class of ’38 gentle-man, Francis Mooney. He was 99 years young.

At Dartmouth Francis earned his degree in liberal arts and was a member of Gamma Delta Chi. Upon completing his formal education he joined G.F. Mooney and Sons, where he spent more than 30 years and, upon retirement, held the position of president and general manager. Beginning in 1985 he wintered in Fort Myers, Florida, and South Carolina and relocated to the Farmington area in 1994. He was an original founding member of the Farmington Kiwanis Club and served as secretary and treasurer. He had a great love for boats, most notably his grandfather’s 30-foot Laker, and he held his private pilot license and owned a Piper Colt for many years.

Francis was one of two class members I had the pleasure of being with—the other was Adrian Weiss—at the 75th reunion in September 2013. Sitting with these gentlemen at a class of ’38 reunion was awe-inspiring, bringing back fond and unforgettable memories of times past. Francis was accompanied by his dear son, Larry. To Larry and all the members of the Mooney family, we extend our deepest sympathy on their, and our, loss—another star in heaven.

A very happy and blessed holiday season to the class of ’38 and their families, and know that I think of you so very often.

—Jean M. Francis, 2205 Boston Road O139, Wilbraham, MA 01095