William B. Franchi

Peterboouhg, NH William "Bill" Franchi, 96, of Peterborough, NH passed away on May 9, at Summerhill Assisted Living in Peterborough. Bill was born in Watertown, MA on September 10, 1920, the son of Francesco Salvatore Franchi and Sarah Louise Hallowell. He raised his family in Belmont, MA, before retiring to New Hampshire. Bill graduated from Tufts University in 1943 with a degree in Chemical Engineering. He was a World War II veteran, enlisting in 1944 and serving in Europe in 1945 and 1946. One of Bill's favorite memories was of his return to France and Germany in the 1980s to ride his bicycle through the areas where he served. After the war, Bill spent a 54 year career with the General Latex & Chemical Corporation in Cambridge, MA, where he was instrumental in establishing production facilities. After retirement he continued to work for General Latex as a consultant. Bill's first wife Jean (Thompson) Franchi died in an accident in 1969. In 1985, Bill married Shirley Roberts and they moved to Peterborough in 1988. Together they enjoyed many trips to Europe. Among his interests were skiing, hiking, biking, antiques, bridge and woodworking. He was an accomplished photographer, with his own darkroom in the early days, and documented his own life in photos, World War II, family life, and his travels for over 70 years. He was fascinated by family history and created an archive of family trees, books, and papers for future generations. He delivered Meals on Wheels for a number of years, was an active member of the Camera Club, and was the organizer of the Men's Group of the Peterborough Unitarian Universalist Church. Bill was a loving husband and a devoted father and grandfather. He will be remembered for his love of family gatherings, a playful attitude, his fishing hat, and a fondness for desserts. Bill is survived by his wife Shirley Franchi of Peterborough; daughter Christine Baldwin and her husband Jack of Oxford, England; daughter Barbara Osterhout and her husband John of Los Gatos, CA; daughter Janice Wiles and her husband Lynn of Londonderry, NH; stepdaughter Jennifer Roberts of Clinton, IA; daughter-in-law Yvonne Roberts of Fairfax, CA; seven grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his first wife Jean, daughter Jennifer, stepson Griffith, brother Francesco, and sister Mary. The family is planning a private graveside service at the Belmont Cemetery in Belmont, MA at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made in Bill's name to Summerhill Assisted Living, Peterborough, NH or to the Peterborough Unitarian Universalist Church, 25 Main Street, Peterborough, NH 03458.

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