William Clarence Francis

Bill Francis passed away April 2, 2016 at his home in Santa Cruz following a lengthy battle with cancer. He was 80 years old. Born on November 2nd, 1935 in Scranton, Pennsylvania, the son of Clarence and Margaret (Sarnoski) Francis. He grew up in Scranton, Pa. and was a graduate of Central High School, Class of 1953. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp in 1954 and was stationed for two years in Parris Island, S.C. During his military service he played on the post baseball team, winning the All Marine Championship in 1955. Following his discharge, Bill attended the University of Scranton, graduating in 1961 with a degree in Business Administration. While attending Scranton University, he was captain of both the football and basketball team, and was All American in volleyball. He began playing league fast pitch softball, and was later nominated into the North Eastern Fast Pitch Hall of Fame. Following his graduation, Bill lived a short time in Santa Cruz where he worked for County Bank. He later returned to Scranton, married his wife Rochelle and adopted her two children, Bill and Lysa. After their marriage, Bill began working with Link Aviation and later IBM in Binghamton, New York. In 1976, Bill transferred to San Francisco and moved the family to Santa Cruz. He later began working for Lone Star Cement, and eventually became a shift foreman. He truly enjoyed the time spent with his co-workers at the cement plant and retired in 1997. Bill continued his lifelong passion for sports by refereeing basketball and baseball. He eventually became a division one women's basketball referee. In 1976 he was instrumental in the formation of the Santa Cruz Officials Association and in keeping it local over the years. Bill was named Official of the Year for several years in a row and was considered a mentor to many upcoming referees. He was a member of Our Lady Star of the Sea Church. Bill is survived by his wife of 49 years, Rochelle Francis, his daughter Lysa Francis, son Dr. William Francis and his wife, Jennifer, his loving grandchildren Chase Kelsen, and Jake and Brayan Francis of Santa Cruz. His sister-in-law Joi Schlappe, nephews Brant and Ward Davis, Robert, Eric and Kurt Francis and nieces Kym Kalafut, Carrie Ayers and Kathy Birdou. He will be missed by many dear friends, to whom his family wishes to express their deep appreciation for their love and support during his illness. They include Dan and Sue Pacheco, Jon and Claudia Bei, Bob and Jan De Witt, Dan and Ann Fucito. Special thanks goes to Paul Ward who spent countless hours driving Bill to church and on their many weekly errands. Bill's family also wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation for the loving care of Dr. Janet Wang, Tom Redwood, Theresa Parodi, Nina Pedemonte and all the staff of Palo Alto Infusion Center and the staff of Hospice of Santa Cruz. Private services are under the care of Benito and Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel, 1050 Cayuga St., Santa Cruz, Ca. To express condolences or to share a remembrance with Bill's family please visit www.pacificgardenschapel.com. In lieu of flowers contributions are preferred to Boys and Girls Club of Santa Cruz, 543 Center St. or Hospice of Santa Cruz.