Edward Charles Francis, III

February 5, 1965 – June 21, 2026

Edward Charles Francis, III, age 61, passed away peacefully at his home in Burlington on Sunday, June 21st, with his devoted family by his side. He was the loving spouse of Laurie Bonanno, with whom he shared over 13 wonderful years.

Born in Watertown, MA on February 5, 1965, he was one of four children of the late Edward C. Francis, Jr. and Jeanette T. (MacDonald) Francis. Ed was raised in Watertown and graduated from Watertown High School with the Class of 1983. A talented athlete from a young age, he spent many years playing baseball and hockey. Following his graduation, Ed earned his bachelor's degree from Babson University and went on to enjoy a successful career. He spent most of his career in Computer System Maintenance Services. Eventually running his own company.

Ed’s love of sports never left him. He was a loyal Boston sports fan who faithfully followed the Bruins, Red Sox, and Patriots and did his best to never miss a game. He continued his love of athletics by participating in an adult softball league for years and coached many teams throughout his life. Although he wasn’t one for gambling, Ed was a proud member of a longtime fantasy football league, where he was affectionately nicknamed “Smooth.”

One of Ed’s passions was golf, it turned into a tradition he had with so many friends. Golf turned into lunch and memories for years. His core group “The Manly Men” golfed monthly and held a tournament each year in September that Ed always looked forward to attending.

Another one of Ed's greatest passions he shared with Laurie was spending time on the water. His family built a home on Cape Cod where he spent his summers. He and Laurie loved taking their boat, “Summah Daze,” out on the water, spending their days fishing, clamming, and soaking in the beauty of Cape Cod. In recent years, Ed came to appreciate the simpler pleasures — sitting on the beach, listening to good music, and enjoying the company of those he loved. Though he was once always busy tending to the boat or finding a project to tackle, he learned to embrace the peace that came from simply sitting on the shore watching the waves roll in.

In his free time, Ed took great pride in his home and yard, spending countless hours maintaining his lawn, planting flowers, and creating a landscape he could be proud of — all while listening to his music. In fact, Ed had a small but successful landscape business during his high school and college years, a passion that clearly never faded. Above all else, Ed was a fun-loving, kind-hearted, and a generous man who always put his family and loved ones first. He treasured the time he spent with them and worked hard to create lasting memories that will be cherished for years to come. His warmth, laughter, and unwavering love for those around him will be deeply missed by all who were lucky enough to know him.

Ed is survived by his loving Soul Mate Laurie Bonanno; His children, Alexandra Francis and her spouse Jerry Vargas of Cornelius, NC; Edward C. Francis, IV of Billerica; His step children, Vanessa Bonanno and her fiancé Luke Harer of Westford; Alexandra Bonanno of Burlington and TJ Bonanno of Woburn. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren, James Francis Donovan; Walker Francis Vargas and Winnie Francis Vargas; Beloved siblings, Mark J. Francis of Groton; Paul J. Francis and his wife Susan of Westfield, NJ, and Richard M. Francis and his wife Susanna of London, England; as well as many aunts, uncles, and devoted nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend visitation on Sunday, June 28th from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington. His Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, June 29th at 10 a.m. at St. Margaret’s Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington. Burial will immediately follow at St. Bernards Cemetery in Concord.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute for Lymphoma.