Edward F. "Ed" Francis, 84, of New Hartford and formerly of Deerfield, passed away on Wednesday, February 24, 2016, at St. Elizabeth's Medical Center, with his family by his side. Edward was born in Utica on February 22, 1932, a son of John F. and Katherine (Cierlik) Francis, Sr., and attended Proctor High School. On May 22, 1950, at the age of 18, he joined the United States Air Force and served honorably until September 11, 1953. On August 29, 1959, Ed was united in marriage to Patricia Bugnacki. Throughout his life, he held jobs in various capacities. Ed worked as an assistant manager and pin setter at a local bowling center, where he met his wife, Pat. He also worked at GE, was the owner of Slim's Tavern in East Utica and refinished hardwood floors, teaching the floor business to all of his sons. For 25 years, Ed was employed by the United States Postal Service as a mail carrier, retiring on February 24, 1992. His many hobbies over the years included bowling, fishing, mushroom picking, making pickles and homemade wine, enjoying boxing and The Horses, and working on his and other people's vehicles. In later years, he enjoyed sitting in his barcalounger with his TV remote, catching up on old episodes ranging from Bonanza to Three's Company and, of course, watching old western classics. Edward is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia; a daughter, Elaine Francis, of North Utica; his sons, Steven Francis, of Deerfield, and Mark Francis and his wife, Ann, of Deerfield, and their children, Sarah Jones and husband, Pat, and their son, Patrick, and Melissa, Julie and Jennifer Francis; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Charles "Charlie" Bugnacki, of Syracuse, Rosaline Matyjasik, of Syracuse, Rosalie Francis, of Marcy, and Loretta Francis, of Deerfield; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He was predeceased by his son, Edward A. Francis, on December 16, 2015, and is survived by Edward's wife, Doris, and their daughter, Alexis, of Old Saybrook, CT. He was also predeceased by three sisters, Irene, Gloria and Eleanor, and three brothers, John, Arthur and Albert. Mr. Francis' funeral will be held on Monday, February 29, 2016, at 10 a.m. from St. Thomas Church, New Hartford, with Father Sears officiating. Burial will take place in Calvary Cemetery, Utica. Calling hours at the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., North Utica, are Sunday from 1-3 p.m.