Obituary: Sydney Haskell Francer

Sydney Haskell Francer, at 96

Sydney Haskell Francer, known by his friends as Hecky, his family as Haskell, and his business associates as Hal, died Jan. 18, 2023 at age 96.

Born on Dec. 30, 1926 in Boston to the late Arthur and Cecelia Francer, Mr. Francer was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. 

His loving wife, Shirley (Lakin), was everything to him, and providing for his family was the most important thing in his life. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children: Sharon Francer, Laurence Francer and his husband, Jerome, and Beth Napurano and her husband, Chris. He also is survived by his grandchildren, Harrison and Benjamin Wurth. He was preceded in death by sisters Florence Boltansky and Betsey Cohen. 

A graduate of UMass-Amherst, Mr. Francer hoped to go into medicine but ended up joining the family sheet-metal business along with his two cousins. He was, however, a medic in the Navy during World War II. He was a partner in Francer Industries, Inc. for more than 75 years until it was sold in 2020. He loved music and he and Mrs. Francer were subscribers to the Boston Symphony for more than 50 years. He also played a mean piano and could play anything by ear. An avid tennis player and a member of the Cohasset Tennis Club, he played well into his 70s and often with men half his age. 

Mr. and Mrs. Francer had a large group of friends through their affiliation with Temple Beth Sholom. They would travel with them to the Catskills and Martha’s Vineyard but, mostly, he just enjoyed being on the beach with family. He loved fine restaurants, but none ever rivaled his wife’s cooking. He will be remembered as one half of the beautiful couple of Shirley and Hecky. 

Mr. Francer’s funeral service was held on Jan. 23, followed by interment at the Shepetovka Cemetery in West Roxbury. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mr. Francer’s memory may be made to Temple Beth Sholom, 600 Nantasket Ave., Hull, MA 02045.