Obituary of Francis M. Swana

Webster-Frank "Frappy" Swana died peacefully on Thursday, June 2nd, at the UMASS Memorial Medical Center University Campus in Worcester. He was 80 years young. Frank is survived by his wife, Joyce Swana (Gaudette) of 53 years. He leaves behind a daughter Melissa Maphis (Swana) and her husband David of Haymarket, Virginia. He leaves a son Anthony Swana of Southbridge. He also leaves two grandchildren, Allura and Christopher Maphis along with several nephews and nieces. He is also survived by his brother, John Swana of Glen Mills, PA. Frank was born on January 23rd, 1936 in Dudley, Massachusetts to John and Sophie Swana. He graduated from Bartlett High School in 1955. He excelled in many sports including basketball, football, and his favorite, baseball! He received the 1955 Exchange Club Award for his Outstanding Accomplishments as a co-captain of the Bartlett High School baseball team. He was credited by the legendary BHS Hall of Fame Coach, Sigmund "Ziggy" Strzelecki as one of the best leadoff hitters that he had ever coached. Frank led the team in runs scored, stolen bases and had the distinction of never being thrown out stealing bases in 43 attempts during his varsity baseball career. Upon graduation Frank was very active playing semi-pro baseball and softball for various teams in the Worcester area. He was to be inducted into the Bartlett High School Hall of Fame this October. Frank served with the Massachusetts Army National Guard as a member of the 181st Engineering Battalion and was Honorably Discharged in 1963. He was an active member of the Webster Little League serving as a coach for 12 years. Frank was also a lifetime member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge 1466 in Webster serving as the Exalted Ruler in 1986. He was also a member of the Saint Anthony of Padua Parish in Dudley. He enjoyed life to the fullest and cherished spending time with his family as well as his friends. The Red Sox and Patriots have lost one of their most loyal fans. His funeral will be held at 9 AM Tuesday, June 7 from Bartel Funeral Home & Chapel, 33 Schofield Ave., Dudley with A Mass of Christian burial at 10 AM in St. Anthony Of Padua Church, 24 Dudley Hill Rd., Dudley. Calling hours at the funeral home are Monday, June 6 from 6 to 8 PM .The Elks ritual will be held during calling hours. Burial with military honors will be held at a later date in St. Anthony Cemetery www.bartelfuneralhome.com