Francisco 'Cisco' A. Herrera

Biography
RUTLAND – “He truly was the strong, supporting patriarch of our entire family. Even during his last days, dad’s giving heart was shared with everyone who loved and cared him, from his family to the doctors and nurses on his care team.” Francisco Alicea Herrera, 86, known to many as “Cisco” passed away peacefully in the early hours of Friday, January 13, 2017 surrounded by loving family. He was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico, a son of the late Jose and Bienvenida (Alicea) Herrera.While a young teenager, Cisco relocated to be with family in Barre. He began working in a local foundry, where the hard work soot-covered clothes convinced him to follow a different path. Cisco enlisted in the U.S. Army, which was at the throws of the Korean Conflict. He joined many other young men and was off war, before being injured. Cisco was transferred to a hospital in Japan to recover when he met a young lady caring for patients named Phillis, who just happened to be from the same neck of the woods as Cisco. Struck by her frankness and inspired to prove her wrong, Cisco worked hard to be able to get back on his feet to fulfill his promise of dancing with Phillis. Once back in the area, the two met again and soon were on the road to begin what has been more than 62 years together. Their relationship was true example of how two people create balance, and together they laid the wonderful foundation of love that they passed on to their children and grandchildren. Cisco acquired enough training following his discharge to become a machinist for the former Parker Manufacturing Company in Worcester, later a member of the Stanley Tool Company family. His thoughtful designs earned Cisco a place on the tool design team. Cisco was able to find free time to care for his beloved property, where even into his 80’s he could be found cutting his supply of firewood for the long winter. He was a longtime member of the Rutland Lions Club and active in his faith community, Saint Patrick’s Parish where he was always lending a hand, especially for the community food pantry. An avid ham radio operator, Cisco enjoyed conversing with people all over the world. He was a member of the ARRL, the national ham radio association. Family gatherings were always important to Cisco, especially because being surrounded by his children and grandchildren made him happy. He leaves his beloved wife and best friend of the past 62 years, Phillis (Weagle) Herrera; his three children, Francisco “Butch” A. Herrera, CSM, U.S. Army, (Ret.) and his companion, Kate Wilcox of North Clarendon, VT; Ramona Demers and her companion, John Gordon of Hubbardston and Rolando A. Herrera and his wife, Theresa of Erie, PA; his two brothers, Jose Enrique and Rafael Herrera, both of Ponce, Puerto Rico. He was also the proud grandpa of six grandchildren: Michelle Demers and Renee Letendre, Jessica and Abigail Herrera, and David and Joshua Herrera; as well as three great grandchildren, Mia, Morgan and Dylan Letendre.Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Cisco’s family on Monday, January 16, from 4-7 p.m. at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. His funeral will be held on Tuesday, January 17, from the funeral home with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 10:30 a.m. at St. Patrick Church, 254 Main Street, Rutland. Burial at Rural Cemetery will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Veterans Inc, 69 Grove Street, Worcester, MA 01605 or St. Patrick’s Church, P. O. Box 939, Rutland, MA 01543. To leave a message of offer an online condolence, please visit our "Guest Book" here on this page.

















Visitation


Monday
January 16, 2017
,

4:00 PM
- 7:00 PM




at
Miles Funeral Home


Click for Map and Directions





Funeral Service


Tuesday
January 17, 2017
,

10:30 AM





at
St. Patrick's Church


Click for Map and Directions