AUBURN – Francis D. Violette of Townsend Brook Road, Auburn, died Friday, April 13, at his home, with his loving family at his side.

He was born in Griswold, Conn., on March 10, 1931, a son to the late Thomas and Amelia (Pelletier) Violette.

Francis married the love of his life, Gabrielle C. Dionne, at St. Peter’s Church on Oct. 23, 1948.

He worked for 25 years at Cianbro Corp. as a crane operator.

Francis was a member for many years at St. Philips Church in Auburn.

He was a huge Red Sox fan and enjoyed watching them on TV. He also enjoyed hunting and ice fishing.

He leaves his wife of 58 years, Gabrielle Violette, of Auburn, who loved and cared for him in his last years. He is also survived by three daughters, Susan Palange and her husband, Andrew, of Lewiston, Sandra Gammon and her husband, Michael, of Auburn, and Gail Coolidge and her husband, Charles, of Auburn; three sons, David Violette and his wife, Kristina, of Turner, Steven Violette and his wife, Karen, of Shapliegh, and Gary Violette and his fiancée, Jennifer, of Falmouth; 16 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and two brothers, George Violette of Lisbon Ct., and Franklin Violette of Sumner.

He was predeceased by a son, Daniel Violette, in 1989; and three brothers, Harold in 1945, Woodrow in 1980, and Henry in 2002.