Francis Picard Jr., age 61, passed away on March 19th at Wingate in South Hadley surrounded b y his family. He faced cancer and the loss of his leg as he did everything in his life with fierce determination and tenacity. Frank leaves his wife Maureen (Welch) and his most precious gift, his daughter Sarah of Chicopee. He also leaves his brother Kenneth Picard of West Springfield and a sister Susan (Picard) Laroche and husband Craig of Southwick. In addition he leaves four nephews, Michael and Jeffrey Picard, Kurt and Matthew LaRoche, a niece Kellie LaRoche and great nephew Michael Picard. He was predeceased by his parents Marion (Bergeron) Picard and Francis Picard along with stepson Kevin Welch. Frank was a perfectionist in everything he did. He spent many years counseling youth at Brightside in West Springfield. He was a contractor and home remodeler and worked for Springfield Partners for Action as an Energy Auditor. He loved his family and friends and enjoyed spending time with them. He also enjoyed biking, kayaking and running. The family would like to thank the staff at Baystate Oncology, D’Amour Cancer Center and the nurses at Wingate for their compassion and care. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, March 25, 2014 from 4-6 p.m. at the Grise Funeral Home, 280 Springfield St, Chicopee. In lieu of flowers please donate to D’Amour Cancer Center, 3400 Main St, Springfield, MA 01107 or to Brightside for Families, 1233 Main St, Holyoke, MA 01040. Burial is private at the family’s discretion.