Francis J. Oldham Jr.

Francis J. Oldham, Jr, 90, originally from Danbury, CT, passed away peacefully at his residence in Southbury on Thursday June 8, 2017. He was surrounded by family. He was the husband of Jeannette K. (Coyle) Oldham for nearly 60 years married on June 29, 1957.

Born in Danbury, CT to the late Francis J. Oldham and Mary E. (Donnellan) Oldham on January 19, 1927. Fran, or Pop like he preferred to be called, was a lifelong resident of Danbury where he was a graduate of Danbury High School. Just after his 18th birthday, he enlisted in the United States Navy and achieved the rank of Petty Officer 3rd Class. He served aboard the USS Macon during World War II earning the Victory Medal and the American Theater Medal. He remained in the Naval Reserve until his honorable discharge in August of 1951.

After the war, he was the general manager of ACME Laundry in Danbury and eventually went on to own and operate the company for many years. He also worked for the Danbury School System and devoted his time to serve on the Danbury School Board. He was also an employee of the Bernard J. Dolan Company of Bethel as well as the Town of Ridgefield. He remained active on many other civic and community boards; always willing to give his time to serve others.

Family was always important to him. He tried not to miss any activities involving his children and grandchildren. Fran was an avid sports fan and loved to watch sports teams from New England and NY while enjoying some ice cream. He also gave back to the community by officiating youth basketball games at multiple levels. He was a member of St. Peter’s Church in Danbury until relocating to Southbury in 1999 when he joined Sacred Heart Parish.

Besides his wife, Fran is survived by his children: Francis J. “FJ” Oldham, III and his wife, Marci, of Danbury; his daughter Kathleen M. (Oldham) Gallo and her husband, Geoffrey A. Gallo, of Stratham, NH. His grandchildren: Francis J. “Jay” Oldham IV, Colin P. Oldham and Corporal Geoffrey A. Gallo Jr. USMC. Many loving nieces, nephews and relatives also survive.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the dedicated and loving caregivers who provided comfort to Fran in his final years; especially to his daughter-in-law, Marci, who remained devoted to Fran’s health and welfare for over 10 years.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11am on Tuesday, June 13, 2017 at Sacred Heart Church , Southbury, CT. Friends will be received prior to the Mass from 10am-11am at Sacred Heart Church. After the Mass, a burial service will be conducted at St. Peter Cemetery in Danbury.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Fran’s memory may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517 Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517 or visit the website www.woundedwarriorproject.org.