Francis H

Dumesnil

BERLIN — Francis “Frank” H. Dumesnil, 87, passed away on November 10, 2026, at his home. Born on June 3, 1939, in Berlin, he was the son of the late Alexander and Irene (Moreau) Dumesnil.

Francis graduated from Notre Dame High School with the Class of 1957. After serving in the New Hampshire National Guard, he went on to work for Granite State Rubber Company as a foreman. When the plant closed, he purchased Frank’s Village Store in Berlin, transforming it into a popular neighborhood landmark. He offered a variety of merchandise, but the fishing stories were always free! If he told you a fishing story, he was probably exaggerating. And if you told him a fishing story, he knew you were lying. Francis later took a position as a security guard for Crown Vantage and finished his working career as a maintenance man at Woodlands Credit Union, where he put his creativity, craftsmanship, and practical talents to good use.

Francis married the love of his life, Suzanne Kelly. Together, they raised two children while enjoying the many milestones, adventures, and simple pleasures that make family life special. One of the highlights of Francis’ life was spending quality time at camp on Success Pond, where many happy family memories were made.

Francis’ earlier hobbies included billiards, table tennis, darts, and horseshoes. One of his favorite thrills was spring skiing at Tuckerman Ravine. He also enjoyed carpentry and took particular pride in his detailed finish work. His favorite pastime, however, was spending a day out on the water, lake fishing with his son, Steven, who shared his enthusiasm and anticipation for reeling in that monster trout.

A few paragraphs are not enough to fully capture the person he was or the impact he had on those who loved him. He was well known in the community and will be remembered with fondness and a smile.

Francis is survived by his daughter, Francine Nichols, and her husband, Andrew; his brother, Alec Dumesnil, and his wife, Susan; his sister, Laurie Reisch, and her husband, Russell; and his granddaughter, Nicole Saint-Amant. In addition to his parents, Francis was predeceased by his wife, Suzanne Dumesnil; his son, Steven Dumesnil; and his brother, Norman Dumesnil.

A service will be held in the spring at St. Anne’s Cemetery in Berlin, where he will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife.

Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.bryantfuneralhome.net.