Francois Levay deWolf, 85, of Acacia Road, passed away on Feb. 13, 2017 at Silver Creek Manor. He was the husband of the late Doris (Bertrand) deWolf.  

Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Francois and Edith (Van Maggyr) deWolf. He is survived by his children, Brad deWolf and his wife Wendy, Brian deWolf and his wife Joan, and James deWolf and his wife Shari. He was the grandfather of Marc deWolf, Katherine deWolf, Grace deWolf, Andrew deWolf, Christopher deWolf, Olivia deWolf, Matthew deWolf, Joshua deWolf and the late Bradford deWolf. He was the brother of the late George, Charles and James deWolf.

An accomplished sailor, Fran was at home on Narragansett Bay. In his youth and he won several regattas in the New England area, sailing Indians, Herreshoff 12 1/2’s and Beetles with his brother, Jim. As an adult, he spent his summers exploring Narragansett Bay in his beloved Runabout “Thunderjug.” He taught his family the joys of the ocean and imparted a love for boating. Fran organized and ran a weeknight racing program in the Bristol Highlands for many years where local youths would race Sprites and Sunfish each week during the summer. 

When Fran was not on the water, he was taking on a project at home in the Bristol Highlands. He was a detail oriented person who took pride in every project he completed. He had several vehicles that were “classics” in their own right. From his 1946 Ford truck to his 1961 Volkswagen, the vehicles were kept in the same condition they were in when he bought them. 

Fran had a 40-year career at Amica Insurance. When he retired, he and his wife Doris traveled a bit, but truly enjoyed their life in Bristol the most. In retirement, Fran became an avid bike rider and practically wore out the bike path between Bristol and Warren. When he wasn’t boating, biking or tinkering, he was collecting items which he found unique and meaningful. 

Family and friends are invited to attend a Gathering for the Celebration of Life, Saturday, Feb. 18, 11 a.m., at the First Congregational Church, 300 High St.

Memorial donations may be made to: Save the Bay, 100 Save the Bay Drive, Providence, RI 02915.

Arrangements are by the George Lima Funeral Home.
www.limafh.com.