Joseph “Papa Joe” Francis, 83, of Dartmouth, passed away at St. Luke’s Hospital on December 25, 2016. He was the son of the late Joseph and Anna (Grace) Francis, Sr. He grew up in New Bedford.

Joe joined the United States Air Force and served during the Korean War. After coming home from the Air Force, he worked in construction for many years. During the Lawler administration, he served as a Building Inspector and as the Building Commissioner for the city of New Bedford.

Papa Joe was a familiar face at DYAA with his grandsons. He loved sports; mostly football and baseball. And he loved soap operas. He got into playing Bingo in the last few years at the Cedars.

Joe was the loving husband of Eileen (Charpentier) for 56 years. He leaves behind two sons; Scott and his wife, Patricia, of FL and Gregg (Timmy) of New Bedford as well as his former daughter in law, Dawn Francis of Dartmouth. He was the devoted “Papa Joe” to Keith and his wife Tiffany, Kyle, and Devin. He had two Great grandchildren; Hailey and Max. He was “Papa Joe” to two grand-dogs; Asante and Bella as well as a great grand dog, Percy.

Funeral arrangements were under the care of the Bartlett Funeral Home, 338 Court Street, Plymouth. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 2nd at 9:00 am. Interment will follow at Bourne National Cemetery.