Francis 'Fran' R. Cerrone

STERLING- Francis R. Cerrone, 66, died on Saturday, July 4, 2015 from injuries suffered in a single vehicle accident on the Massachusetts Turnpike in Framingham. He was born in Worcester, a son of the late Richard F. and Barbara A. (Baer) Cerrone.

Fran grew up in a military family, travelling to wherever the US Army stationed his father. As a teenager, Fran entered the Army himself, and served in Vietnam as a helicopter gunner and crew chief. Following his discharge, Fran returned to the familiar area of Worcester and enrolled in Worcester State College, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business. He meet a wonderful young lady with local roots, the former Patricia Ankstitus. They married on May 25, 1975 and begin their family, and finally settled in Sterling more than 35 years ago. Computers became a focus for Fran or Frank, whichever name people chose to call him. He worked for several years for the former Digital Equipment Corporation, then Norton Company before joining Allegro Microsystems in Worcester, where he has worked for more than 20 years as an IT specialist.

Home is always where Fran’s heart was. Whether it was meticulously caring for his yard on his John Deere, tending to his bountiful garden, which was incredible this year, or just tinkering on a project around home, Fran was happiest there. He was an avid cook and spent many a weekend cooking up a storm in the kitchen so Pat didn’t have to. He was proud to be known as a blue ribbon winner in the chili cook off contest at Allegro. He loved spending time with family and friends, especially his wife and sons whether it was at the beach on the coast of Maine, on Lake Sebago or camping with family or friends, Fran enjoyed every minute. During his sons younger years, Fran spent hours coaching their soccer teams. Playing golf was also a big part of Fran’s life, playing in leagues at Allegro as well as spending time with the guys playing at area courses on the weekends. Over the past several years, Fran and Pat have enjoyed travelling throughout the United States, visiting national parks and attractions as part of his attempt to check off the “bucket list” items. They also enjoyed visiting Florida.

Fran leaves his beloved wife of 40 years, Pat; his two wonderful sons, Joseph R. Cerrone of Lancaster and Matthew J. Cerrone of Framingham; his step-mother, Rita Mullen Cerrone of Rutland; his brother, Richard F. “Rick” Cerrone, Jr. and his companion, Jean Gagnon Cerrone of Worcester; his two sisters, Barbara Bourassa and her husband, John of Spencer and Nancy Cerrone of Worcester; as well as several nieces, nephews and numerous friends. Being taken so quickly has left a tremendous hole in the hearts of all of them.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Fran’s family on Thursday, July 9, from 4-7 p.m. at the Miles-Sterling Funeral and Tribute Center, 100 Worcester Road (Rte. 12), Sterling. His funeral will be held on Friday, July 10, from the funeral home with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in Saint Richard of Chichester Church, 4 Bridge Street, Sterling. Burial will be private at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, 1359 Broadway, Suite 1509, New York, NY 10018 or to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701. To share a memory or leave an online condolence for the family, please visit "Sign the Guestbook" on this page.