Following a courageous battle with cancer, Francis Xavier
Anderson, 68, passed away in his Thurmont, Md. home at 10:20 a.m.,
April 20, 2004.
Following a courageous battle with cancer, Francis Xavier Anderson, 68, passed away in his Thurmont, Md. home at 10:20 a.m., April 20, 2004.
Born June 11, 1935 in Buffington Township, Indiana, Penn., Francis was the eldest of six children and the only son born to the late Stephen Anderson and Josephine Anderson (91) of Cresson, Penn.. The family resided in Ebensburg, Penn., prior to moving to Cresson. He attended grade school in Ebensburg and graduated from Ebensburg-Cambria H.S. in 1953. From 1954-1958, he served in the Navy.
Francis was an Electronics Instructor, Communications & Logistics Specialist for the Department of Defense United States Army from 1959 to 1991. He wed Genevieve Ostrander in Red Bank, N.J. November 24, 1960. Together they raised five children. During his career, the family lived and traveled in the United States and abroad, primarily residing in Germany, until his retirement. The past 10 years, F.X. enjoyed part-time seasonal employment as a mid-station lift operator at Ski Liberty Ski Resort in Fairfield, Penn. He was affectionately known on the slopes by co-workers and skiers alike, as the “Hat Man”.
Francis enjoyed reading, traveling, sightseeing, movies and music. While in Germany, his interest in music prompted him to launch a DJ business, which supplied musical entertainment to overseas troops. In the United States, he entertained at private parties and special events. An avid hobbyist, car enthusiast and motorcyclist, F.X. enjoyed tinkering with model airplanes, trains, slot cars and motorcycles. In the 1970s, he pursued his love of car racing. As President of the Kaiserslautern Rally and Touring Association Club, he participated in slaloms and raced a Class C BMW Alpena on German racing circuits, winning many top division trophies. Francis and friend, Fred Beuchert, built a BMW at Mount Airy Motors, which F.X. raced at Summit Point, Va. in the 1980s. In his later years, he was actively involved in many clubs and participated in car, motorcycle and PT Cruiser events with friends and club members. During the duration of his membership with the AMA, he served as president, treasurer and secretary of the Western Maryland Motorcycle Association and proudly drove his PT Cruiser with fellow PT Dream Cruiser Members.
F.X. is survived by his wife of 43 years, Genevieve, three sons, Vincent of Charleroi, Belgium, Donald and wife, Caterina, Anderson of Melbourne, Australia, Daniel of Fredrick, Md.; two daughters, Andi of Hollister, Roseanita of Round Rock Texas, three grandchildren William of California, Ramone and Indiana of Australia, two sisters and five brothers-in-law, Loretta (John) Rich of Mount Prospect, Ill., Colette (Greg) Santoro of Carlisle, Penn., Tom Jable of Pompton Plains, N.J., Pip Theodor of South Africa and Al Froeschl of Irwin, Pen., as well as many nieces, nephews and other relatives.
In addition to his father, Francis was preceded in death by three sisters, Christine Jable, Veronica Theodor and Lucille Froeschl.
A Mass and memorial service will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 8, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, 103 North Church Street Thurmont, Md., Father James W. Hannon and Deacon John Hawkins will officiate, followed by a Remembrance Reception, located in the Parish Hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks charitable contributions be made to: Hospice of Frederick County, P.O. Box 1799, Frederick, MD 21702, in loving memory of Francis X. Anderson.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Brad Cooper and Staff, Home Health Care, Jim Dent of Hospice, Hospice of Frederick County, Neighbors, Roger and Darlene Clem, Genny’s friend Cathy DeLauter, F.X.’s beloved friends, Richard and Linda Beach and Bruce and Sally Toma. “Your ongoing compassion, support and love made all the difference in the world. God Bless each of you !”
