Francis Wholley's Obituary
Methuen – Francis Wholley, 75 of Methuen, loving husband and father passed away on Sunday, January 24, 2021 after a long illness, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born in Lawrence, MA and lived in Methuen most of his life. Frank graduated from Central Catholic High School in Lawrence and went on to serve four years in the U.S. Air Force from 1964 to 1968. He was a Vietnam veteran and was honorably discharged with the rank of sergeant.
Frank retired from the United States Postal Service in Lawrence as a registry clerk after 32 years in 2005. He was a member of DAV, Lawrence Chapter and the VFW Post in Methuen. He enjoyed his weekly breakfasts with his retired buddies, coffee with his group from cardiac rehab, history, politics, traveling, and dining out with friends. His greatest times, however, were spent with his family.
Frank will be deeply missed by his loving wife, M. Kathleen (Walsh) Wholley of Methuen, with whom he celebrated over 50 years of marriage; his 3 children, Jeffrey P. and wife, Davlyn (Carter) Wholley of Sandwich, NH, Erin E. Wholley of Methuen, and Brian F. and wife, Zaira (Costa) Wholley of Tewksbury; 2 wonderful grandsons, Justin P. Wholley of Methuen and Evan P. Wholley of Sandwich, NH; 2 sisters, Ellen M. Wholley of Methuen and Kathleen (Wholley) and husband Joe Gile of Hancock, ME; his brother, Walter J. and wife, Carol (Waite) Wholley of Salem, NH; and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, Walter J. and Elizabeth (Herlihy) Wholley and brother, Alfred J. Wholley.
Frank’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the healthcare workers and staff of Care Dimensions Hospice and Mass General Hospital for their wonderful care, kindness and support.
Family and friends will honor and celebrate Frank’s life by gathering for his Funeral Mass on Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at 11 AM at St. Monica’s Parish, 212 Lawrence Street, Methuen, MA. Guests are kindly asked to meet directly at the church. Burial will be held at a later date. Due to COVID-19 guidelines, face masks will be required at the church, and social distancing must be followed. If you have a health or other underlying concern, please do not attend. Frank’s family will understand and respect your decision.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memorial Giving, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to Veterans Northeast Outreach Center, 10 Reed Street, Haverhill, MA 01832. To send an online condolence, please visit www.pollardfuneralhome.com. The Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home is honored to serve the Wholley family.
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