Francis Cox, Sr.
By Beth David, Editor
The patriarch of the Cox family, Francis Cox Sr., died on 6/5/23 after a period of declining health. He was 86 years old and the husband of Geraldine (McGrath) Cox.
Mr. Cox lived in New Bedford and Fairhaven most of this life and was a graduate of Fairhaven High School. He served honorably in the US Air Force.
Mr. Cox was well known in Fairhaven as the owner and operator at Cox’s Candies, later Dorothy Cox’s Chocolates, for many years until his retirement. Even after retirement, he spent many days hanging out at the store, greeting customers or helping in the back as the next generations took over daily operations.
He was a member and past president of the Fairhaven Rotary Club, member of the New England Retail Confectioners Club, member of Retail Confectioners International, past chairman of the Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School, past chairman of the Fairhaven Council on Aging, and board member at St. Joseph’s School.
Gimp loved spending time with his family especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed watching the Red Sox and Patriots, listening to Frank Sinatra and spending time visiting candy stores all across the United States.
He is survived by three children, Francis Cox, Jr. and his wife Shirley, Dorothy Cox, and Timothy Cox and his wife Tina; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
His Funeral will be held Friday, June 9, 2023 at 9 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, followed by his Funeral Mass at 10 AM at St. Joseph’s Church, Fairhaven. Burial will follow in Cushing Cemetery. Visiting hours will be Thursday, June 8, 2023 from 4-8 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations in Francis’ memory may be made to the Jimmy Fund, c/o Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284. For directions and guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
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