Leo E. Francini

August 12, 1919 - January 6, 2019

Leo E. Francini, 99, of New Britain, husband of Laia (Balducci) Francini passed away Sunday, (January 6, 2019) in the comfort of his home, four days shy of celebrating a 75th wedding anniversary with his beloved wife. A New Britain native and longtime resident, he was a graduate of New Britain High School, class of 1937, and served with the US Army during World War II. Following the war, he was in business with his father Ernest and brother Albert, building homes throughout the Hartford region. In 1956, he joined the Veteran's Administration as a construction analyst in the loan guaranty division. He was appointed construction specialist in 1958, chief appraiser in 1962, and chief of valuation and property management in 1968. In his final appointment, he was named Loan Guaranty Officer, responsible for the operations of the Veterans Administration Loan Guaranty Division of Connecticut. He was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Church in New Britain; the Society of Real Estate Appraisers, with a senior residential appraiser designation; and a former member of the Marchegian Society and Italian Fraternal Society. Besides his wife Laia, Leo leaves two sons, Robert Francini and his wife Diane of New Britain, and Mark Francini and his wife Pamela of Kensington; a daughter, Donna Miles and her husband Robert of Kensington; six grandchildren, Ryan Francini and his wife Amy, Sara Francini and her husband Alistair Paxton, Josh Miles and his wife Sarah, Brandon Miles and his wife Brittney, Justin Francini and his wife Danielle, and Amanda Quatrocelli and her husband Daniel; seven great grandchildren, Olivia, Emma, Parker, Leo, Sloane, Asa and Ada. Leo was predeceased by a brother, Albert Francini and a sister, Alice DelVecchio. The family wishes to thank the devoted caregivers, who displayed such love and care for him in his final years, especially Janet Gordon. Calling hours are on Thursday, January 10, 9:30 to 10:30 AM at Carlson Funeral Home, 45 Franklin Square, New Britain followed by a Mass of Christian Burial, 11 AM at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 1755 Stanley Street, New Britain. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Mary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Aquatic Department at Hospital For Special Care, 2150 Corbin Avenue, New Britain, CT 06053. Please share a memory or note of sympathy at www.carlsonfuneralhome.com.