Francis (Fran) James Vaccari, 87, died peacefully Monday, March 30, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

He leaves behind his devoted daughters and their spouses: Erin and Bob Silva of Berlin; Lynn Vaccari LaVache, wife of the late Kenneth LaVache of Hudson; Diane and Leo Cadrin of Grafton, and Kristen Belanger, daughter of his longtime companion. His beautifulsister Rose Mazmanian, of Boynton Beach, cousin and best friend, Joe Spinazola, and his adoring wife, Eva; His sister Mary Shea, and brother Richard Vaccari. He is also survived by his eight cherished grandchildren; seven wonderful great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; He was predeceased by his wife, Judith Corriveau Vaccari; his son, John F Vaccari; his partner, Donna Belanger; and his dear sister, Lorraine Anderson.

Born in Boston, Massachusetts on July 22, 1938, Francis “Fran” J Vaccari came from humble beginnings. His early childhood was spent in the Home for the Little Wanderers along with his beloved sister Lorraine, until his older sister Rose found them and reunited the family. He was then lovingly raised by his beloved aunt Elsie and uncle Joe in Chelmsford, Massachusetts.

After attending Chelmsford High School, Fran proudly joined and served his country in the United States Navy receiving an honorable discharge. He graduated from DeVry Technical University in Chicago, earning a degree that launched his engineering career.

He began his professional life as an engineering supervisor at H.H. Scott Inc in Maynard, where he met his wife, Judy. They married in 1960 and soon welcomed their first-born daughter, Erin, in 1962. The family moved shortly thereafter to Stow, Massachusetts where they had three additional children, John, Lynn & Diane.

In 1966, Fran transitioned into the television industry, working for Storer Broadcasting, WSBK-TV 38 as the chief engineer. At TV 38, he attended the leadership program at Purdue University. He traveled extensively and was instrumental in televising countless Boston Bruinsand Red Sox games until 1987. He then became the chief engineer at WUTF-Channel 27, where he continued his dedicated career until retiring in 2010. In retirement, Fran settled on the Cape with his partner, Donna, enjoying a well-deserved life of relaxation and family time.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Fran played in hockey leagues for most of his adult life. He cherished reading the Bible and completing Sudoko puzzles, and was known for his remarkable memory, meticulous organization and unique habit of counting items ensuring nothing was ever left behind or forgotten. He loved swimming and loved long walks along the Cape Cod canal. Above all, he cherished his family and took immense pride in his children and grandchildren. He was especially delighted in bringing his grandson to various sporting activities, and he never missed any of his baseball and football games. He was exceptionally proud to watch his grandson win his high school Super Bowl. Fran also loved attending his granddaughters plays, recitals, and sporting events, always cheering them on with unwavering enthusiasm. He never missed a family gathering, where he would lovingly share a special prayer.

A devout Catholic, Fran held his family, faith, and country as the most important pillars of his life. His deep devotion, strong work ethic, incredible generosity and kind & loving spirit touched everyone who knew him.

All are invited to attend visitation hours on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, from 4-7pm at Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home, 50 Central Street, Hudson, MA 01749. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, April 9, 2026, at 10:00am at St. Michael’s Parish, Hudson, MA followed by burial with military honors in Brookside Cemetery, Stow, MA.

Fran will be deeply missed, but forever remembered for his kindness, generosity, dedication, and boundless love. May he rest in eternal peace