Francis J. Papierski, 82, of Auburn, died Wednesday, August 31, 2011 at the Rose Monahan Hospice Residence, Worcester, following an illness.

He leaves his beloved wife of 52 years, Dorothy F. (Johnson) Papierski; his four loving children, Paul A. Papierski and his spouse Kenneth Lovering, Karen M. Cogswell and her spouse Steve of Leicester, Susan I. Summers and her spouse Daniel of Lanexa, VA, Walter F. Papierski and his spouse Tamara of Firestone, CO, and the late Peter E. Papierski who died in 1985; his brother John Papierski of North Grosvenordale, CT; his sister Patricia Brochu of Windsor Locks, CT; his grandchildren Matthew, Stephanie, Michael, and Thomas Cogswell, and Zachary and Gage Papierski; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Raymond Papierski.

He was born in Webster, a son of the late Peter A. and Florence (Nadolski) Papierski, and has made his home in Auburn for 51 years. Frank was a proud Air Force veteran of the Korean War, and then served in the 318th Air National Guard unit for 30 years. He retired from Raytheon after more than 30 years, where he worked as a test engineer. Frank was very active in his community for most of his life. He was a member of Saint Joseph’s Parish, the Auburn Rowdies, the Auburn/Webster Lodge of Elks, the Chester P. Tuttle American Legion Post, the Polish American Veterans, and a member and Past Grand Knight of the Auburn Council of the Knights of Columbus and the John Cardinal Wright Assembly, 4th Degree. He was also a member of the Greendale Retired Men’s Club. Frank was a wonderful gardener and he enjoyed raising lilies, and sharing that passion with the members of the New England Lily Society. He enjoyed traveling, polka music, and dancing with his wife. He played the accordion as a young man, was always willing to learn, and enjoyed taking classes. Frank was also a volunteer for the Special Olympics, was a Boy Scout leader and was a member of Toastmaster’s International. Frank and Dorothy established a community scholarship in memory of Peter; over the years, Frank awarded scholarships to 25 high school seniors.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Friday, September 2nd from 5-8 PM at the Britton-Wallace Funeral Home, 91 Central Street, Auburn. The Knights of Columbus and the American Legion will assemble at 6:30 for a ritual. His family will gather at the funeral home on Saturday, September 3rd at 10 AM and proceed to Saint Joseph’s Church, 189 Oxford Street North, for funeral Mass at 11 AM. Following cremation, burial in Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton will be private. Friends are invited to make a donation in Frank’s name to the Rose Monahan Hospice Residence of Worcester or the Air Force Aid Society.