SHREWSBURY___Francis E. “Fritz” Prunier, of Shrewsbury, born in October 1919 in the Grafton Hill area of Worcester, son of Alfred and Cora Prunier passed away peacefully June 7 in the Shrewsbury Nursing and Rehab Center after suffering a stroke. He is predeceased by his wife Rita, a sister Gertrude Laforce and a brother, Richard. He is survived by his loving family, Karen Smith and her husband, Earl of Charlton; Diane Briggs and her husband, David of Shrewsbury; Faye Windram and her husband James of Lincoln University, Pa., Wendy Romeo and her husband James of Auburn; Stephen Prunier and his wife Ronna of Charlton and Francis Prunier, Jr., and his wife Nancy of Shirley. He also leaves 12 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren and nephews and nieces. Francis was a devoted and loving father who put his family first and will be greatly missed by all.
Fritz attended Commerce High School and Worcester Boys Trade High School and briefly worked at Leland & Gifford before enlisting in the United States Army. He was a well decorated veteran of World War II. He was a member of the U.S. 86th Infantry Division, “Black Hawks” and saw combat in France, Germany, the Army occupation of Bavaria and the Philippines. He participated in the liberation of France. The Black Hawks became the first division to serve in both theaters of operation and only one other division actually served in the Pacific after European duty. He received the Bronze Star, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Army of Occupation “Europe” Medal, European Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal and a Commemorative Certificate from the French Government. He was honored by the French Government on July 15, 2000 in a ceremony on board the USS John F. Kennedy CV-67 aircraft carrier for his part in the liberation of France.
Fritz was a plasterer by trade and worked for J.S. Prunier most of his life. He also worked for Granger Bros. until retiring after an accident. He was a lifetime member of the Allied Bricklayers and Crafters Union Local 1 Chapter 6, a member of Tuttle Post American Legion in Auburn and Grafton Hill Post American Legion, Worcester. He had many interests which included playing cards, gardening, reading, traveling and pool. Fritz was also an avid hunter, fisherman and overall sportsman. He spent 20 years alternating between Cape Cod and Naples, Florida where he explored and fished the Everglades on a daily basis. His hunting trips to Maine and Vermont were a traditional part of his life which he never missed until later years. His most recent hunting expedition was as an observer on a moose hunting trip in 2001.
The funeral will be held on Tuesday June 13 from DIRSA-MORIN FUNERAL HOME, 298 Grafton St, Worcester with a Mass at 10:00 am in St. Joseph Church, 35 Hamilton St, Worcester. Burial will be private in Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne. Calling hours in the funeral home are Monday June 12 from 5 to 8 pm. Flowers may be sent or memorial contributions may be made to Armed Forces Childrens Education Fund, P.O. Box 44524, Washington, D.C. 20026.