George J. Francis

George J. Francis of Denver, Colorado and Phoenix, Arizona left this life in the late morning hours of September 6, 2016. He is survived by Helga Heidecker, sons Steven G. Francis, Nicholas A. (Margaret) Francis, Thomas G. Francis, ten grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by wife Frances DeLost, brothers Sam Francis and Gus Francis, and sister Catherine Aris. He was born April 13, 1921 in Akron, Ohio to Nicholas Fragiskatos, originally from Kefalonia, Greece, and his wife, Mary (Panopolos) Fragiskatos, originally from Patras, Greece. The family name was changed to Francis when they moved to Denver in 1932. Grandfather Nicholas was in the restaurant business. He attended Cole Junior High School in Denver and graduated from East High School in Denver. While attending DU in Denver in 1942, he was drafted into the United States Army. He was on active duty until he was wounded in Europe December 17, 1944. He was awarded a Purple Heart. After recuperation in the States, he attended the University of Chicago, and went on to study at the University of Chicago Law School, where he was Assistant Editor on the Law Review. He originally practiced law in New York City, but moved back to Denver for family reasons. He provided legal counsel and aid to many members of the Greek community. He also kept a separate office in Hugo, Colorado to provide legal services to the citizens of Eastern Colorado. He appeared before the United States Supreme Court in the cases of Dennis, Mine Mill, and Marshall. After retirement, he and Ms. Heidecker ran the Lincoln 100 Restaurant for several years. Trisagion and Funeral Service will be held Thursday, September 15, 2016 at 10 AM at the Assumption Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 4610 East Alameda, Denver. Interment will be at Fairmont Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Salvation Army would be appreciated. Please share memories and condolences with the family by visiting the GuestBook.