With deep sadness, the family of Denzil Montgomery Francis, also known as Keith to many, departed this earth on Good Friday, April 2, 2021. Keith as he was lovingly called by his family was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Throughout his life, he was a lover of sports - playing cricket in his youth, riding competitively as a jockey, and participating in bowling leagues for many years. His love of sports carried over as a fan of cricket attending international test matches, as well as baseball. A long-time New York Yankees fan; he stuck with his team through the up and down. years. In addition to sports, he loved music and often spent Saturdays bopping to the music of many jazz greats. Once he retired until the pandemic restrictions closed gyms, he often started his day at the gym swimming laps and working out. During the pandemic, he walked several miles a day around Tuckahoe to continue his work-outs. Denzil LOVED staying active...even when he was told to take it easy.
Denzil was an active member of the Tuckahoe Senior Citizens and Christ Church Bronxville. He enjoyed participating in outings with his fellow Tuckahoe seniors, especially trips to the casino. On December 5, 2014, Denzil was inducted into the Westchester County Senior Hall of Fame for his dedication and his service. At Christ Church, he was a faithful worshipper and an active member who served as an usher, as an outreach volunteer, on the Altar Guild, as a member of The Guild of St. Raphael, and as a member of the Men''s Group.
He was born in Parham Hill in Parham Town on the island of Antigua and immigrated to the United States in 1967. He was married to Druscilla Francis for 53 years and their union produced two daughters, Debbie and Desiree. Denzil was a proud grandpa to his grandson, Myles.
Denzil lived a full life and touched many people. He will be greatly missed for his sense of humor, his positive can do youthful spirit, his generosity, his service and his love of people, especially his family. Throughout his life, he volunteered his time and contributed to many different charities, including Make A Wish Foundation, the American Heart Association, and the Tuckahoe Senior Citizens. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he was very concerned about food insecurity and often volunteered to collect food for local food pantries, as well as, his fellow local seniors.
He is survived by Druscilla, his wife of 53 years; daughters Debbie and Desiree Francis; grandson Myles Gould; brothers Eustace Francis, Linroy Francis, and Jerome Francis; sisters: Veronica Simmonds, Patricia Ramsay, and Sonia Benjamin. He has one sister preceded in death, Edith Cora Bradshaw. He leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends with treasured memories.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation in his honor to one of the following organizations:
● Tuckahoe Senior Citizens, P.O. Box 172, Tuckahoe, NY 10707
● Christ Church Bronxville (St. James Church, Fordham Food Drive/Grace Church White Plains Food Drive) https://www.ccbny.org/fooddrive
● American Heart Association https://www.heart.org/

Due to COVID-19 precautions, the family will not be present during visitation hours. If you wish to pay your respects during visitation hours, the family asks that you maintain social distance and not linger so that all who loved Denzil can pay their final respects safely. The funeral service will be virtual-only. In the future, when it is safe to gather in person, the family hopes to have an in-person memorial service to celebrate Denzil''s life.
The family of the late Denzil Keith Francis acknowledges, with sincere appreciation, the many comforting messages and other expressions of kindness evidenced at this time in thoughts and deeds.

Click here Saturday at 10:00 am for the Livestream:

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