Francis (Frank) W. Niland, of Westwood, formerly of Roslindale and Mission Hill, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on December 21, at the age of 90, after a yearlong illness. He was the son of the late Bill and Nora Niland of Mission Hill and is survived by his former wife, Sheila Niland (Mahan) of Mission Hill.
Frank was the devoted father of five children: Steven and his girlfriend Caroline of Franklin; Christina (Chrissy) and her partner John of Sturbridge; the late Brian F. of Roslindale; Erik and his wife Donna of Bedford, NH; and Leanne Biuso (Niland) and her husband Chris of Northborough. He was the proud and loving grandfather of Brian J. and Brett, whom he adored and cherished.
He also leaves behind his sisters, Elaine McIntyre of Roslindale and Kathleen (Kate) Baron of Dedham, and was predeceased by his brothers Carl, Ralph, Michael, John, and Daniel. “Uncle Frank” is also survived by his many nieces and nephews.
Frank grew up in Mission Hill and was very proud of his upbringing and family. He joined the Air Force right out of high school, where he developed his love for engineering. He retired after 35 years of building radar systems for The MITRE Corporation and then spent several more years consulting for Teradyne, Inc.
Frank loved reading and golfing and had a true passion for sports and education. He was a Parkway Little League and Youth Hockey coach for many years and cherished being known as “Coach Niland.” He spent many late nights in the backyard building and maintaining ice skating rinks, basketball hoops, swimming pools, Big Wheel runways, toboggan runs, and anything else that would keep his children entertained. He also spent endless hours at ballparks and rinks watching his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events, always sharing his knowledge and love of the game.
Visiting Hours at the William J. Gormley Funeral Home, 2055 Centre St. West Roxbury on Friday, December 26 from 4:00-8:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Theresa of Avila Church, West Roxbury on Saturday, December 27 at 10:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in honor of Frank’s life and legacy to the David James Hospice, Unit 2C, at the EN Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital, 200 Springs Rd. Bedford, MA 01730. For guestbook gormleyfuneral.com.