George G. Francis, 76

LENOX, Mass. — George G. Francis, 76, of Lenox, Mass., passed away November 13, 2018, after a lengthy struggle with dementia.

Gerry was born in New York City on November 11, 1942, the son of the late Gretchen Snyder and John M. Francis.

Mr. Francis attended Berkshire School and Norwich University. He was the owner and editor of the former Berkshire Courier in Great Barrington. After he sold the newspaper in the early 1980s, he spent his time antiquing and traveling, spending many winters exploring Mexico and Central America.

He was an avid hiker and always had a loving canine by his side. Mr. Francis was a past member of the Southern Berkshire Volunteer Ambulance Squad, Great Barrington Rotary and the Southern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce.

He is survived by many friends and family, including his close companion Judy Durlack of Alford, Mass.: his brothers, J. Martin Francis of Gladstone, Ore., and David W. Francis and his wife Angela of Elkton, Md.; his daughters, Cynthia Francis and her companion Russell Funk Jr. of Egremont, Mass., and Christine Dakers and her husband Scott of Scarborough, Maine; one granddaughter, Gweneth Andersen of Scarborough, Maine; one nephew and two nieces; as well as his loving family of the LEP at Kimball Farms.

Funeral notice: Funeral services will be private with a memorial service in the spring. Donations in memory of Gerry may be made to the Berkshire Humane Society through Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230, who is caring for the arrangements.