LOWELL—Francis J. Rene, 88 years old, died Wednesday evening at Saints Memorial Medical Center. He was the husband of the late Barbara A. (Connor) Rene, who died in 1985.
He was born in Lowell, on December 15, 1913, a son of the late Horace F. and Mary Ann (Delaney) Rene. He was a graduate of the Lowell Public Schools and Lowell High School. He also attended classes at Lowell Technological College.
Mr. Rene was employed as a Firefighter by the City of Lowell. He was appointed a Reserve Firefighter on November 1, 1940. On January 8, 1942, he resigned his fire commission to join the United States Navy. He served during World War II as a Machinist Mate and was discharged on April 4, 1946.
He returned to the Lowell Fire Department and was assigned to Engine 8. On October 1, 1952 he was appointed a Lieutenant in the Fire Department. Mr. Rene retired on December 30, 1978. He held membership in the Retired Lowell Firefighters and the Lowell Lodge of Elks.
Surviving him are two sons: Francis J. Rene, Jr., and his wife Ellen, of Chelmsford; Brian T. Rene, and his partner, Steven W. Penry, of Surprise, AZ; a grandson: Adam M. Rene, of Chelmsford; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Esther and Dave Hopkins, of Hampton, NH; Helen Reynolds, of Shrewsbury; and Phyllis and Bill Irvin, of Windham; also several nieces and nephews.
Friends may call from 4 to 8 PM on Sunday, August 4th, at the MAHONEY FUNERAL HOME, 187 Nesmith Street, (Rte. 38). His Funeral Mass to be offered Monday, August 5th, at 10 AM at St. Michael’s Church, Lowell. Burial in St. Mary Cemetery, Tewksbury.