Long-time Shrewsbury Resident Dies

Francis J. Dirksmeier, died on Palm Sunday, April 1 with his family gathered by his side. He was 76.

He was born on October 24, 1935 in Boston a son of the late Mary E. (McDonough) Dirksmeier. Raised in West Roxbury, he graduated from Boston College High School, class of 1953 and earned his bachelor's degree from Boston College in 1957. He then earned a master's degree in 1959 from Boston State Teacher's College.

A man of boundless energy and unyielding determination, Frank had a very successful 50-year career in medical sales. Known for his sense of humor and outgoing personality, he was always the life of the party. Frank was loved by all and will be dearly missed.

In addition to his wife 51 years, Sheila M. (McNiff) Dirksmeier, he leaves his children, Francis X. Dirksmeier and his wife, Cecilia, of Glen Allen, VA, Peter J. Dirksmeier and his wife, Caren, of Madbury, NH, Lynne M. O'Brien and her husband, Bob, of Easthampton, CT, Tracey A. Hester and her husband, Jay, and Jeanne M. Quitadamo all of Shrewsbury; his son-in-law, James Quitadamo of Shrewsbury; 23 grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will honor and remember Frank's life by gathering for calling hours at ~ The Sumner House, 5 Church Rd., On the Common, Shrewsbury Center on Tuesday, April 3 from 4 to 8 p.m. and again at 9:45 a.m. on Wednesday morning before leaving in procession to , 640 Main St., Shrewsbury, where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery.

Honor Frank's memory with a contribution to Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, Radnor Station Building 2, Suite 320, 290 King of Prussia Rd., Radnor, PA 19087.

To view Frank's online tribute, share a memory or offer a condolence please visit www.healdchiampa.com.