OCEAN PARK — Francis “Fran” G. Tate Jr., 78, passed away from complications related to pulmonary fibrosis on Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2016, at his home in Ocean Park surrounded by family.

He was born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, on Sept. 6, 1938, the first of six children born to Francis Sr. and Edith Tate. He graduated from Central High School in Manchester, New Hampshire, and went on to serve honorably in the U.S. Navy. Following naval service, he attended Keene State College where he met his future wife, Nancy Derby.

After graduating from Keene State College, he went on to obtain his master’s degree in education from Salem State University. Fran spent 18 years as the vocational director at Salem High School in Salem, New Hampshire. He then took a break from education for a number of years when he co-owned North Andover Building Center in North Andover, Massachusetts. He later returned to education in Bath and Saco.

He enjoyed travel, took pride in his home repair projects, and had a passion for all New England sports teams and spending time with friends and family. Just a few memorable moments include a cross country trip, many Scrabble games, visiting Vietnam and social time with friends. Everyone that met him will remember his clever and quirky commentary .

He was married to his wife, Nancy (Derby) Tate, for 51 years. He is also survived by: his three children, Sharon Tate and her husband Ted Freeman of Saco, David Tate and his wife Lauren Tate of Scarborough, and Kristen Tate and her husband Samuel Glueckert of Ocean Park; and his grandchildren, Owen Tate, Holland Tate, Nora Freeman, and Cole Freeman.

A celebration of life will be held at Porter Memorial Hall in Ocean Park from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Ocean Park Association (oceanpark.org).

To view Francis’ memorial page or leave an online condolence, please visit cotefuneralhome.com.