Francis Edmond Poitras

Francis Edmond Poitras, age 82, of Griswold, CT passed away March 3, 2025 at his home with his beloved wife, Nancy C. Poitras (Lewis) by his side. He was born December 11, 1942 in Jewett City, CT, the son of the late Albert and Lillian Poitras of Jewett City.

Francis grew up in Jewett City, attended St. Mary’s School and Griswold High School. He joined the United States Marine Corps on August 22, 1960 and earned his GED while serving in the Marines. After his years of military service, Francis began working at Simon Ford in Norwich, CT where he eventually rose to the position of Parts Manager. He spent 44 years dedicated to all things Ford.

During these years, he also became a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader, a police officer with the Jewett City Police Department, a member of the Auxiliary CT State Police Department and joined the Jewett City Fire Department, where he ultimately became a life member.

Later in life, Francis would become a charter member of the Thames River Detachment Marine Corps League #1334. Alongside his fellow marines, Francis worked to organize countless Toys for Tots toy drives, honored outstanding marines, and shared stories of service. He was also a member of the Griswold Senior Center, the Veterans Coffeehouse of Eastern CT and the Military Order of the Devil Dogs. In 2024, Francis was awarded Veteran of the Year by the Norwich Veterans Council. In his spare time, you could find him tinkering in his garage, lending tools to his sons, driving his prized Ford truck or standing behind his video camera documenting all his family’s most important moments.

Francis was preceded in death by his parents Albert and Lillian Poitras and brother Robert Poitras.

Francis is survived by his wife of 62 incredible years, Nancy Poitras of Griswold, his two sons Francis Poitras Jr. and wife Trissy Poitras (Perkins) of Griswold, and Jeffrey Poitras and wife April Poitras (Thompson) of Griswold, grandchildren Dawn Bisson (Poitras) and husband Jon Bisson of Chaplin, CT, Kaitlyn Poitras and and fiance Thomas Jackson of Nashua, NH, Patricia Ann Poitras of Westerly, RI, Shelby Poitras and Jamie Poitras both of Griswold. He is also survived by his beloved great grandchildren, Ava and Grant Bisson of Chaplin, CT and Avery Jackson of Nashua, NH, who affectionately called him “Papa”. He is also survived by his sister Patricia Steele (Poitras) and brother-in-law Kit Steele of Norwich, CT, his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Donald and Maureen Lewis of Hertford, NC and Jimmy and Dayle Lewis of Jewett City as well as many nieces and nephews.

A calling hour will be held from 10:00-11:00AM Friday, March 7, 2025 at the Gagne-Piechowski Funeral Home, Jewett City, CT with a funeral home service to take place at 11:00AM.  Burial with military honors will immediately follow in Pachaug Cemetery in Griswold.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Dr. Kapur, the ECHO foundation and Hospice for their kindness, support and care. Donations can be made to the ECHO Cancer Foundation, 330 Washington Street #220, Norwich, CT 06360 or by visiting the ECHO website.

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