Carol Irving Francis Was Fisherman and Carpenter

Carol Irving Francis died Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2006, at Martha's Vineyard Hospital.

Carol was born in what was then Gay Head, one of 12 children of Nathan Alton Francis and his wife Marolla Nina (Rodman). He was the eldest male tribal member of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) and a descendant of many of the historic tribal families of Aquinnah.

He was a skilled carpenter and a caretaker for many family homes in Aquinnah. A fisherman all of his life, his greatest pleasure was being out on the water and on his boat, "Barbara." For many years he served on the Aquinnah Shellfish Committee, overseeing the happenings on Menemsha Pond.

On Oct. 20, 1946, Carol married Barbara M. (Perry), uniting two tribal families of the Aquinnah Tribe. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this past week.

Their son, Ronald I. Francis, pre-deceased them in 2003. Survivors include his wife, Barbara; their children, Eleanor M. Hebert and her husband Michael of Aquinnah, Gloria E. Mendez of Tisbury, and Michael D. Francis of Tisbury; his sister, Rosalie N. Francis of Tisbury; his grandchildren Brigette M. Araujo, Todd Araujo, Esq., Venita Walker, Jacqueline Mendez, Jermaine Mendez, Jody Mendez, and Kaylee Tebo; his great-grandchildren Kane Araujo, Maya Araujo, Jade Araujo, Antone Araujo, Jermaine Mendez Jr., Jacob Rose, and Sarah Swift-Mendez; and by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Viewing will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. Monday at Chapman, Cole & Gleason in Oak Bluffs, followed by a service officiated by the Rev. Roger H. Spinney.

Interment will be at the North Cemetery in Aquinnah immediately after the service. A gathering will follow at the Tribal Building.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Wampanoag Community Center or to a charity of one's choice.

Arrangements are by the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home in Oak Bluffs. Visit ccgfuneralhome.com for online guest book and information.