Dean Anthony Francis

Indian Island—Dean Anthony Francis, “Deano”, 59, died unexpectedly May 13, 2019 at his residence. He was born January 31, 1960 in Bangor a son James Alvin and Mary Helena (Sappier) Francis.

Dean grew up on Indian Island and later moved to Millinocket, graduating from Stearns High School, Class of 1979. He was employed as a paper maker at Great Northern Paper for many years. He served as a firefighter & EMT for the town of East Millinocket and served on the GNP HazMat team. Upon the mills closing Dean transitioned to becoming an Electrician, working for Sugarloaf and other electrician companies. Dean found a great deal of peace and solitude in nature and especially floating around in his boat on the Penobscot River. He enjoyed moose hunting, fishing, fiddle heading and everything and anything else outdoors; and as a proud member of the Penobscot Nation, he enjoyed drumming, singing, and dancing at community events and will be remembered as a cultural educator of these gifts of which he gave back to his community. But his greatest joy came from time spent with his children and grandchildren. Nothing in this life was more important to him than teaching his children and grandchildren the gifts he possessed and learned from the creator.

He is survived by three children Nick Francis and his wife Melissa; Nastassja Francis and her fiancé Alex Graves; Yuri Francis; three grandchildren Xan(man), Kadri, and Mailaya; his mother Mary Fitzgerald; siblings Laura Francis and Mark Bolduc of NH, Lee Ann Francis and Zuo Francis of Indian Island, Lyle Francis of Fairfield, & Annette Desjardins of Indian Island.

He was predeceased by his father; and siblings EJ Francis, Rick Perry, & Jacqui Francis.

A celebration of his life will begin at 12 Noon Friday May 17, 2019 at the Sockalexis Bingo Hall, 16 Wabanaki Way, Indian Island, where a reception will immediately follow until 3PM.