Francis X Sena, Sr.

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Together they built a life centered on family, public service, and community involvement.

Francis X. Sena, Sr.,88, a lifelong Grafton Hill, Worcester, resident passed away peacefully Tuesday, August 25th 2026 surrounded by his loving family.

Francis was the beloved husband for 59 years to Janice M. (Lamontagne) Sena. Together they built a life centered on family, public service, and community involvement.  

In addition to his loving wife, Janice, he is survived by his loving children, Francis X. “Chip” Sena, Jr. and his wife .Antonella, Carla M. (Sena) and her husband, Joseph T. Bartulis, Jr., Esq., and Gary J. Sena and his wife Nicole, all of Worcester. He also leaves his brother, John J. Sena, Sr. and his wife, Paula Sena, along with many cherished grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

In addition to his parents, Francis was predeceased by his brother, Peter F. Sena, Sr. and his wife, Joanne; his brother, James A. Sena, Jr. and his sister, Carol A. Sturchio , and her husband, Frank Sturchio.

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His dedication to faith, veterans, and community organizations was evident through his lifelong memberships and service.

Born in Worcester, Francis was a devoted son of the late James A. Sena and Rose R. (Marchese) Sena. He graduated from Commerce High School in 1955, and following graduation, served his country proudly in the United States Navy Reserve from 1955 to 1961, including two years of active duty from 1957 to 1959 during the Vietnam War Era aboard the USS McCaffery.

After his military service, Francis began his career at Worcester State Hospital in 1960, where he worked for two decades while serving as an AFSCME union representative, advocating tirelessly for his fellow employees. Francis then attended Quinsigamond Community College, where he earned an Associate Degree in Business Administration in 1976.

In 1980, Francis accepted a position as an Investigator with the Massachusetts Industrial Accident Board under the Secretary of Labor and was later promoted to Compliance Officer. Throughout his state service, he remained deeply involved in organized labor as a member of AFSCME and NAGE, and served on the Executive Board of the Worcester/Framingham Labor Council as Vice President.

Although he retired in 2005, Francis's commitment to public service never ended. He continued serving on numerous boards and committees, including the Worcester Redevelopment Authority, where he was appointed by the City Manager as the Labor Representative. During his two five-year terms, he played a role in many transformative projects throughout the city, including the relocation of St. Vincent Hospital and the restoration of Worcester's historic Union Station.

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His integrity, leadership, generosity and lifelong commitment to serving others left a lasting impact on countless lives.

Francis dedicated more than four decades to civic engagement as Chairman of the Ward 5 Democratic Committee, becoming its longest-serving chairman with 45 years of leadership. In recognition of his commitment to public service and the Democratic Party, he was honored as Democrat of the Year in 1996. His dedication to faith, veterans, and community organizations was evident through his lifelong memberships and service. Francis was a Third Degree Knight of Columbus and member of Pope John Council, a Fourth Degree member of Bishop O'Reilly Assembly, a member of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and the American Legion Eastside Post 201.

Francis will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his country, organized labor, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the City of Worcester: His integrity, leadership, generosity and lifelong commitment to serving others left a lasting impact on countless lives. Above all, he was a devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend whose legacy of service and compassion will continue to inspire all who knew and loved him.

Friends and family are invited to attend a period of calling hours, Tuesday, September 1st

from 9:00 am to 11:00 in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, Inc 370 Plantation St. followed by a procession to his church Our Lady of Loreto, 37 Massasoit Rd where his celebration of Christian burial Mass will be held at 11:30 am. Entombment with Navy Honors will follow in Notre Dame Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers memorial remembrances in his name can be made to Veterans Inc, 60 Grove Street, Worcester, MA 01608.