Francis R. Bovat

Francis R. Bovat, 82, of Springfield; passed away peacefully May 11, 2018. Francis, son of the late Richard and Bernice (Menard) Bovat, he was born and raised in Westfield. He graduated from St. Mary’s High School where he was a reigning basketball champ. He then joined the United States Air Force giving 20 yrs. of service to his country, receiving the Air Force Commendation Medal for meritorious service. He continued to work for the government by joining the United States Postal Service, retiring with over 20 years of service. Francis was a dedicated Boston Red Sox and Patriots fan, and thrilled in the victories scored by his teams. He was a member of American Legion Post 420 in Spfld. In addition to his parents, Francis was predeceased by his loving wife of 50 yrs. Hildred (Gibson) Bovat; daughter Mary A. (Bovat) Rocco; son Roy J. Bovat; and loving grandson Joel Rocco. Also predeceasing him were brothers Ray, Clifford, Richard, Albert and Donald Bovat; and loving sister Jean (Bovat) Parker. Francis will be greatly missed by all who knew him including his daughters Hildred B. Bovat, Teresa M. Bovat and Sherry L. (Bovat) LaBonte; cherished grandchildren Brent (Bovat) Crocker, Mary Z. Lewis, Julie Rocco, Keighlee Kingsbury, Jordan LaBonte, Logan LaBonte and Amanda Parker; great-grandchildren Sydney Rocco, Steven Rocco and Ryan Parker. He also leaves his beloved brothers Paul and Bob Bovat; sisters Irene Gailius, Muriel Nihill, Doris Bonkowski and Alice Lattrell; numerous nieces, nephews, other loving relatives and friends, including his very dear friend Don Huaff. Calling hours for Francis will be held from 4-7pm on Wednesday, May 16, 2018 from Colonial Forastiere Funeral Home, 985 Main St., Agawam, MA. A funeral service will be held at 10AM on Thursday, May 17th at the funeral home. Interment with military honors will follow in the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Agawam. Memorial contributions may be made in Francis’ name to Shriners Hospital for Children, 516 Carew St., Spfld., MA 01104 or the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701. For online condolences, please visit www.forastiere.com.