Francis R. Dodero (1931-2025)
Francis R. Dodero, 94, a resident of Bridgewater and formerly Brockton, “left this Earth” (his language) on September 7, 2025, in Boston, with his beloved family by his side.
Born in 1931 during the Great Depression, Frankie previously almost lost his life at the age of 12, when a nearly fatal streptococcal blood infection left him with a permanent limp. A survivor who had just lost his oldest brother in World War II, he turned that gait into a swagger, graduating from Brockton High School and Bridgewater State Teachers College (now Bridgewater State University), where he ruled the campus with his lifelong best friend, John Zoino.
Francis began his professional career as a teacher at Brockton’s Winthrop School and North Junior High, then parlayed that experience into an administrative role as Principal of the Carew School in South Hadley, Mass. After six years in Western Mass., he moved to Randolph Public Schools, where he would remain—first as Principal of Stetson Elementary, then Young Elementary, then serving as Principal of Lyons Elementary for 11 years before retiring in 1992.
After retirement, Frank still kept working, nurturing his studies in equine sports, and making dear friends. People enjoyed him: A part-time stint as a medical delivery driver turned into a vice president role of administration. He loved and appreciated his children.
Half Italian and half French, Frank loved eating great meals—seafood and pasta dishes, especially—and at restaurants, he always asked for the day’s specials. He had a good sense of humor and a daily practice of gratitude. He stockpiled high-top sneakers. He believed in leaving the house every single day, if at all possible, and his commitment to activity kept his mind as sharp as a tack until the very end: The Sunday before his passing, he ate lobster and watched races live from Saratoga and still talked about driving again someday. Hopefully instead of driving he’s up there flying, knowing how deeply he’s missed.
Francis is survived by: his wife Phyllis Jean (Beals); his sons James R. and partner Carol Faucher, Francis J., Vincent M. and partner Kathleen Joyce, Edward J. Adams; his daughters Karen A., Kathryn M., Camille J., Cynthia J. Stork, and Allyson J. Furlong; his grandchildren Candice King, Francis, Kathryn, Domonic Zingarelli, Noelle Dees, Aaron Stork, Nathan Stork, Edward Adams, Chelsea Adams, Ashley Crowley, Jenna Furlong, Courtney Furlong; his great-grandchildren Christopher, Alex, Cameryn, Bella, Lily, Tayla, Stella, Nora, Layla, Zain, and Kara; and one great-great grandchild, Zayn.
Preceding Francis in death were his parents James and Mabel “Mimi” Dodero (Parenteau), brothers James “Jake” M., Joseph E., Leo G., sister Claire C. Hume-Boudreau, first wife Eunice, son-in-law Timothy Connell, and daughter-in-law Barbara Dodero.
A private memorial service will take place in Brockton, followed by a burial at the Calvary Cemetery in Brockton.