Francis H. Ciccosanti

January 10, 1916 - March 1, 2009

CAPTAIN FRANCIS H. CICCOSANTI, JR Captain Francis Henry Ciccosanti, Jr., completed his life's journey at age 93 and went to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 1, 2009. Born January 10, 1916 in Hartford, Connecticut, Capt. Ciccosanti spent much of his boyhood in New York City before beginning a 45-year career in the maritime service. After his retirement in 1981, he and his late wife, Mary Marguerite Frensley Ciccosanti, resided in her hometown of Port Arthur before the two began dividing time between Winnie and their beach cabin at Gilchrist. They had been married for 49 years when Marguerite died in 1999. When his health began to fail last year, "Chic" moved to The Forum, a senior residential community in The Woodlands. The son of immigrants -- Francis Sr., from Italy and Bridget Fitzgerald from Ireland - "Chic" first sailed on the Great Lakes. Later, aboard ocean-going vessels, he moved up in rank, attended Merchant Marine Academy, and attained the rank of captain in 1956. He was a crewman, officer and master of ships that delivered military supplies to American armed forces in World War II, the Korean conflict and Vietnam. Although "Chic" traveled to ports around the world, he cherished his retirement years and the time spent with his wife, family and friends. He was a Catholic and a member of the International Association of Masters, Mates and Pilots. Besides the loss of his wife and an infant son, Francis Henry Ciccosanti III, he was predeceased by brothers John and Gerry and sisters Angelina and Eleanor. Surviving siblings are Terry Kelly of Locke, New York, and Edvidge Ross of Windsor, California. Left to remember his love, wit and sea stories are three daughters: Marguerite Weatherall of The Woodlands and her husband, William; Barbara DeVillier of Groves and her husband, John, and Suellen Smith of Lake Limestone and her life partner, John K. Kilpatrick; 10 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren, and scores of nieces, nephews and friends. The family is grateful for the loving care he received in his last days from The Forum staff, Vista Care and granddaughter Tiffany Bledsoe. For those who wish to make a memorial gift, M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston TX 77030 had a special place in his heart. It was there that his great-granddaughter, Bailey Weatherall, received life-saving treatment.