Francis R. Dubois

Francis Ralph Dubois, age 60 of Mentor, passed away on March 31, 2023 at Firwood House – his group home in Mentor. Fran was the fourth of five sons of Raymond and Elaine Dubois. He was born on September 19, 1962 in Elgin, Illinois. Named after St. Francis of Assisi for his easy-going nature, Fran was happy, loving, gentle and sincere with all. Raised during a time when children with Down Syndrome were beginning to be understood, Fran’s participation in all family activities led many people to know him and to learn that God’s gift of a child with Down’s was a blessing. Fran had a wonderful sense of humor and could be super silly at times! Despite his limited vocabulary, Fran used sign language to make sure we got his jokes. For more serious times, he communicated with just a smile or gentle touch. He was well-known as a greeter at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Mentor. Fran loved having fun and anything to do with people! He enjoyed parties, dancing and music – especially the polka and Christmas music that he played year-round. Mealtimes were appreciated for the joyfulness of gathering plus the food itself. His favorites were soup, doughnuts and coffee. He loved the outdoors: playing basketball, swimming, riding his three-wheeled bike, pulling his wagon, or just enjoying a simple task like raking leaves or watching trees move in the breeze. Fran also enjoyed watching football games on TV. The Dubois family is grateful to the wonderful and caring staff and caregivers at Brittany Residential and especially grateful to Bonnie Maehler who was Fran’s primary caregiver for the past several years and whom Francis looked to as a second mom. Fran is survived by his father, Raymond Dubois, and his brothers Deacon Thomas and his wife Deborah, Matthew, Craig and his wife Claudia, Clifford and his wife Amy, along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, and grand-nieces and grand-nephews. He is also survived by his family of friends: Joe, Rick, Jamie and Larry. Fran was preceded in death by his mother, Elaine Dubois, along with grandparents, aunts and uncles. The family will receive friends at Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 8466 Mentor Ave., Mentor, Ohio 44060 on Tuesday, April 11 from 5 to 8 pm. All are invited to participate in a prayer service at 7:15 pm that same evening. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, April 12 at 10 am at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, 8560 Mentor Avenue, Mentor, OH 44060. Committal will follow at Mentor Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Deepwood Foundation, 8121 Deepwood Blvd., Mentor, OH 44060. Offer condolences at www.brunners.com

Francis R. Dubois

September 19, 1962 - March 31, 2023