Francis X. Vasile

Francis Xavier Vasile, 94, of Plainville, beloved husband of Mary (Ventrelli), passed away on Saturday, July 27, 2019.

Born in New Britain on October 27, 1924, Frank, as he was known to many, was the last surviving of four children to the late Joseph and Concetta (Vaccaro) Vasile.  Educated in New Britain, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy after high school graduation in 1943 and trained at the Navy Radar School in Virginia Beach, VA. He served in the Atlantic and was honorably discharged in 1946.  He and Mary met in 1949 and settled in Plainville after their marriage in 1951 where they raised their three sons.  Frank graduated from Teachers’ College of Connecticut (now CCSU) in 1950, earned a certificate in Elementary Education and later received a Master’s Degree from Hillyer College, University of Hartford in 1957. He began his career as an educator for Plainville Schools in 1953, and shared his versatility teaching in various capacities for Wheeler Elementary, Plainville Jr. High School, and Plainville High School. In addition, in the evenings, he taught English as a Second Language, a program then sponsored by the Woman’s Club of Plainville.   In 1969, Frank received the sixth year of Advanced Graduate Studies in Media from the University of Connecticut and after 41 years in education, he retired in 1993 as Director of Media Services. 

A member of the Rotary Club of Plainville since 1967, Frank served as President in 1979, as Treasurer for more than 20 years, and was a two-time Paul Harris Fellow award recipient for his dedicated service.  He obtained his Real Estate license, which he practiced on a part-time basis in Plainville, especially enjoying the camaraderie of the local real estate community; was a member of the Democratic Town Committee, the Plainville Housing Authority, the Area Cable Representative Council and the Plainville Conservation Board. He also served for 12 years (two as Chairman) on the Plainville Public Library Board. 

A tennis enthusiast, he coached at the high school level, as well as for adults and children over the summer for Plainville Parks and Recreation. Frank also enjoyed golf and was an avid reader. Frank will be missed and fondly remembered for his devotion to his family and to his hometown.

In addition to his wife, Mary, he leaves his sons; Joseph and his wife, Sue Gebo; Francis, Jr. and his wife, Linda, Thomas and his wife, Carrie and; his 5 grandchildren, Zachary, Morgan, Alexander, Griffin, and Caroline; along with several nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his brothers, Louis and Corrado and his sister, Frances Scricca.

In lieu of flowers, Frank may be remembered with donations to the Plainville Rotary Scholarship Fund, PO Box 484, Plainville, CT 06062.

Family and friends may gather in celebration of Frank’s life on Thursday, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Plainville Funeral Home, 81 Broad St, Plainville.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Mercy Church.  Committal services with military honors will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. 

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