TEWKSBURY: Francis A. DeKavis, age 82, a Tewksbury resident for 26 years, passed away on Saturday, May 23, 2009 at the Whittier Rehabilitation Hospital in Haverhill.
He was the beloved husband of the late Beatrice L. (Pelletier) DeKavis.
Born in Lawrence on December 7, 1926, he was the son of the late William and Mary (Kvetcauskute) Dzekewcz.
Mr. DeKavis was raised in Lawrence and attended St. Mary's Grammar and High School.
In 1944, he enlisted in the U. S. Navy and served during World War II.
Prior to his retirement in 1990, he was employed as a pressman by the former Shoe Carton Corporation of Methuen, where he worked for 26 years. Mr. DeKavis previously worked for the Meyer Pak Company of Lawrence.
Mr. DeKavis resided in Andover until moving to Tewksbury in 1983.
He enjoyed many activities including playing tennis, fishing and watching the Boston Red Sox.
In addition, he was a licensed pilot and enjoyed flying airplanes.
He will lovingly be remembered as kind hearted and devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Mr. DeKavis will forever be missed by all who knew him and will always be in his family's prayers.
He is survived by one son, Steven F. DeKavis of Tewksbury; four grandchildren, who he cherished, Kristiana, Juliana, Alexander and Lilliana Tzvetanov all of Hampton, NH; one son-in-law, Tzvetan Tzvetanov, MD of Hampton, NH; one brother, John DeKiavicius of Methuen; his fiancee, Pauline Decunto of Windham, NH; also many loving nieces and nephews.
Mr. DeKavis was the father of the late Donna Tzvetanov, who passed away on July 29, 2008.
Calling hours Tuesday, May 26th, from 3-7 p.m. at the Farmer & Dee Funeral Home, 16 Lee St., Tewksbury. Funeral Wednesday, May 27th, at 9 a.m., from the funeral home, followed by his Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. at St. William's Church, 1351 Main St., Rte. 38, Tewksbury. Interment at Tewksbury Cemetery.