1925
2015
Francis G. Weigle passed away on January 2, 2015, at age 89.
Francis was born on July 18, 1925, in Groton.
He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Joan Hart. He is also survived by his children, Candice (Michael) , Carl (Jan), Claudia (Kurt) and Clarke (Sara), grandchildren, Elrond (Liz), Alaric (Liz), Brook (Fred), Alison (Matt), Kael, Amanda, Blaze, Tommy and James, and great-grandchildren, Nadia, Lucas, Emmaus and Brooksley. and he survived his parents, E. George Wigle and Bertha Montgomery of Quaker Hill, his brothers Bobby and Jim, and great-grandson, Eden.
He attended Bulkley High School in New London. Fran was an Eagle Scout and worked at Colombia Labs, a precursor to the Underwater Sound Laboratory in New London. In 1944, the draft interrupted his college education at Cornell, and took him to the Philippines during World War II and then to Japan for the occupation. Upon return, he went back to and graduated from Cornell in 1950. His roommate, Joe Gorra, of New London, and he remained good friends; they saw each other the day before Fran's death.
Francis worked at the Navy Underwater Sound Laboratory as an acoustic physicist and traveled the world studying sonar in the world's deep waters. In 1958, he made underwater acoustic observations during the USS Skate's historical voyage to and surface at the North Pole. When he retired from the Sound Lab, he fulfilled a life long dream of riding his bicycle from Connecticut to Washington State, where he was given a key to the city of Paulsbo.
Francis was a faithful member of the Westerly Band. He attended the Waterford Congregational Church at Cross Roads. He sang for many years in the church choir when they were located at the 2nd Congregational Church in New London. He also sang in the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Chorus.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00, on Tuesday, January 6, 2015 at Union Cemetery, Quaker Hill followed by a memorial celebration at Quaker Hill Fire Department. Please visit www.fultontherouxnewlondon.com for photos, tributes, directions, and more service information.
In remembrance of Francis, please donate to the charity of your choice or to the Westerly Band, PO Box 614, Westerly RI 02891.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
February 2, 2015
Eleanor Mariani & Ron Murallo
Dear Joan and Family,
So sorry to hear about Fran's passing. Please know that our thoughts are with you.
January 9, 2015
Peter Davis
I knew and respected Fran well for many years, both at the Lab and as a member his Offbeat-Five Woodwind Quintet. He was a truly good man.
January 7, 2015
Millie Devine
Dear Joan and Family...
You have my deepest sympathy in the loss of your dear husband, Fran. If I can be of any assistance to you, please call on me. In the meantime you are in my thoughts and prayers.
January 7, 2015
madelyn lyman
Dear Joan and family So sorry to hear of your loss I will keep you in my prayers.
January 6, 2015
Jerry & Debbie Collett
Dear Blaze-n- Family, We are very sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all, sending prayers.
January 6, 2015
Adma Woodhead
Dear Joan, we extend our deepest sympathies to you and your family. Adma Woodhead and family.
January 6, 2015
Mary Lamphere Jakacky
Dear Joan and family, All the Lampheres extend their deepest sympathy at the loss of your husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. We are sure you have thousands of happy memories to comfort you. Dr. John M. & Mary Lamphere Jakacky, Jr.
January 6, 2015
Dear Joan and family,
Fran always had a smile and emitted a warm caring feeling whenever I ran into him at the Sound lab or wherever our paths crossed. I never met a nicer man.
Sincerely, John Templeton
January 6, 2015
Lisa Welte Herzig
My heart goes out to Joan and family; thinking of all of you.
January 6, 2015
Linda and David Smalley
The world has lost a most wonderful man and will be a lesser place because of it. Much love to all Fran's family and friends.
January 6, 2015
Ellen Mercier
Claudia and Blaze, so sorry for your loss.
January 5, 2015
Randy Smith
Fran was always a great source of humor as well as music in the 2nd Church choir.
January 5, 2015
Dear Joan and Family,
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Thank you for posting such wonderful pictures, what a wonderful pictorial of Fran's life.
I loved the pictures of Fran and my Dad, thank you for posting such beautiful pictures of them together.
Pattie Gorra Bondurant
January 5, 2015
Ellen Moran
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
January 5, 2015
Dear Joan and Family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I always enjoyed seeing Fran at church. He always had a smile on his face. He will be missed.
Lesley Sollima
January 4, 2015
Barry Buehler
A great friend and mentor. We will always remember his sense of humor and of the absurd. He had a sign in his office that went something like this: Never try to teach a pig to whistle. It will frustrate you and anger the pig. RIP.
- Barry
January 4, 2015
Linda Von Winkle-Tomaszek
Joan, Candy, Carl, Claudia, Clarke, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories, and adventures of joyful times together as we all celebrate a life very well lived.
So sorry for your loss, many your special guardian angel-Fran watch over you all.
Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more