Francis Henry Courchene died peacefully on Sunday, Nov. 19 at his home in Beverly with his family by his side. He was 103.

He was the loving husband of Nancy Hamor Courchene, to whom he was married for 69 years.

Fran was born in Beverly on August 11, 1920, the son of George H, and Vina Egan Courchene. He was enrolled in the inaugural class at Saint Mary’s School in Beverly, graduated from Beverly High School and continued on to Franklin Technical Institute in Boston to study electrical engineering.

In 1942 Fran joined the U.S. Army‘s eighth Air Force division. He served as a sergeant in England as a radio operator in the 339th bombardment squadron. Upon returning from the service, he joined New England Telephone and worked for the company for more than 35 years until his retirement in 1985.

Loving and caring for his family and friends brought Fran much happiness. His appreciation for nature was groomed while skiing and hiking the mountains of New England,

exploring the towns and beaches on Martha’s Vineyard. His family lived on School street in Edgartown where, beginning in 1972, his wife Nancy ran the Country Store of Concord.

His passion for golf developed as a young teen when he caddied at Myopia Hunt Club in Hamilton. Into his 80s he was an active member at Wyndham Golf Club. He always kept a fun yet competitive spirit.

Fran was predeceased by his eldest daughter, Allyson Courchene Getsinger.

He is survived by his wife Nancy, daughter Andrea Courchene Ross, son Peter Courchene and his wife Madeline, son in law Peter W. Getsinger and grandchildren Megan G. Codigo, Gordon Getsinger, Emma Getsinger, Allyson R. Pachios, Dana Ross, Edmund Ross, Charlotte R. Canet, Jacqueline C. Spayd, Michael Courchene and 11 great-grandchildren.

A celebration of his life was held on Dec. 10 at the American Legion Post in Manchester by the Sea.

Contributions can be made in memory of Francis and Allyson Getsinger to Featherstone Center for the Arts, P.O. Box 1145, Oak Bluffs, MA O2557.