Born November 5, 1923, Francis Malcolm Todd of Canton, New York, passed away peacefully at home in Florida on Tuesday, February 28, 2017 at the age of 93. Francis grew up as a dairy farmer in Pierrepont, New York, and was one of eight children born to the late Austin and Flossie Mae (Robinson) Todd. He attended Canton Central School where he met his future wife Arloween (Taylor) Todd on the school bus. They were married on January 6, 1943 and remained together for over 65 years.
In addition to owning a farm in Canton, Francis worked with his father at Todd Motor Sales and The Canton Speedway throughout the early 50’s before going out on his own to start a newspaper franchise which included the Syracuse Herald and Post Stand.
Francis was a devoted father to eight sons: Keith, Dahl, Alan, Lynn, Neil, Paul, Mark, and Evan. He is survived by his brother Richard, sisters Avis and Eleanor, sister in laws Mary Todd, Julie Todd, Joan Todd, and Connie Taylor, thirteen grandchildren, twenty-six great grandchildren, and one great great grandson. Francis was preceded in death by his siblings Albert, Lawrence, James, and Thelma, his son Dahl, and wife Arloween.
Francis was truly a family man, always making time for the important events in everyone’s life; he never missing a graduation, performance, or wedding. An avid bowler and shuffleboard player, Francis will be known for his easter egg hunts, family reunion softball games, pool parties, and for teaching his grandkids to play “up and down the river” without ever letting them win. Francis was a loving man and will be remembered in the hearts of everyone who knew him.
Friends and family are invited to celebrate the life of Francis Todd at his viewing on Saturday, March 4th from 2:00-4:00pm and 6:00-8:00pm at Lawrence Funeral Home, 21 Park St, Canton, NY 13617. The funeral service will be held at the same location the following day, Sunday, March 5th, at 1:00pm. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery.
Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.lawrencefuneralhome.org