Francis R. "Frank" Spadea, age 80, lifelong of Brockton, died peacefully February 7, 2018 at Good Samaritan Medical Center.
He was the devoted husband of Eleanor M. (Carriuolo) Spadea for 58 years and oldest son of the late Anthony F. and Helen J. (Sousa) Spadea. Francis was given the nickname "Sonny" by his family as a young boy.
Frank graduated from Monsignor James Coyle High School in Taunton and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Stonehill College. Always a hard worker and great provider for his family, he worked two jobs. From 1964-1987, Frank was employed by the City of Brockton as a Brockton Police Officer and nicknamed "The Colonel" when he worked as a Dispatcher in the Control Room. As a young teen, Francis learned the welding trade from his father who owned the Campello Welding Shop. He continued to work part-time at the shop for many years. Following his retirement from the Brockton Police Department, Francis became a private, welding contractor for Shaw’s Supermarkets.
Frank was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He was a longtime member of the Portuguese Holy Ghost Club in Bridgewater and the Massachusetts Police Association.
For many years he enjoyed summer, family vacations in South Yarmouth, dining out, hunting, fishing and bird watching. Other hobbies included buying and selling motorcycles and cars.
Frank is also survived by his children: Robert M. Spadea and his wife Julie of Ormond Beach, FL, Susan L. Costa and her husband Peter of Bridgewater, and Nancy A. DiBari and her husband Robert of Bridgewater; six grandchildren: Stephanie and Nicholas Spadea, Gina and Peter Costa, and Rachel and Michael DiBari; many nieces and nephews and his dog, Oliver. He was the brother of Robert A. Spadea of Plymouth and the late Virginia A. O’Connor.
Visiting Hours will be held in the Conley Funeral Home, 138 Belmont Street (Rte 123) Brockton, Tuesday, February 13, 2018 5-8 pm The funeral procession will gather at the funeral home Wednesday at 9:30 am for a Funeral Mass in St. Ann’s Church, West Bridgewater at 10:30 am. Burial will follow in Pine Hill Cemetery West Bridgewater.