Deacon Francis J. Bachand, 96, of Plainfield, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at Colonial Health and Rehabilitation. He was the beloved husband of the late Edna (Millovitsch) Bachand, with whom he shared 61 years of marriage. Born in Norwich, he was the son of the late Ernest and Cora (Morin) Bachand.
After a brief service in the Navy and working in local textile mills, Fran spent over 30 years at the Jewett City Post Office, where he was a familiar and welcoming face at the counter.
June 27, 1981, he was ordained as a permanent deacon for the Diocese of Norwich by Most Reverend Daniel P. Reilly, D.D. and faithfully ministered to the parishioners of St. Mary Church in Jewett City.
Music was a central part of Fran’s life, and he often brought joy through his guitar at the annual Bachand Christmas party, nursing homes, and with the Griswold Senior Chorus. In his later years, he performed with his group, Fran and Friends, at Creamery Brook.
A quiet man who cherished his family, faith, music, and books, Fran also enjoyed woodworking and chair caning. After retiring, he applied his knowledge of the building trades to construct his own home. Above all, he was a loving father and Pepere to many.
He is survived by his children and their spouses: Ed and Denise Bachand, Linda and Steve Knotts, Pete and Jan Bachand, Don Bachand, Dan and Gloria Bachand, Gerry and Trish Bachand, and Marianne and Jim Lane; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and two of his sisters, Claire LaPointe and Virginia Marion.
In addition to his parents and his wife, Francis was predeceased by his son, Reverend Joseph (Joe) Bachand, M.S., daughter-in-law, Lucy, and four of his sisters: Mary, Margaret, Arlene, and Eleanor. In his final days, he looked forward to reuniting with his loved ones, especially his dear wife, Edna.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Francis’s family on Sunday, September 15, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Dougherty Brothers Funeral Home, 595 Norwich Road, Plainfield, CT.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, September 16, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary Church, 34 North Main Street, Jewett City, CT, followed by burial in St. Mary Cemetery, Lisbon, CT.
Memorial donations may be made to LaSalette Missionaries, 915 Maple Ave., Hartford, CT 06114, or St. Mary Church, North Main St., Jewett City, CT 06351. For the memorial guestbook, visit DoughertyBrosFuneralHome.com.