SPRING HILL, Fla. — J. Francis Angier, 97, of Spring Hill, Fla., passed away peacefully July 27 at the VA Hospital in Tampa, Fla.
He was born in Burlington, Vt., to Frank and Mamie Angier of New Haven, Vt. His beloved wife Madeleine predeceased him in 2011 after 65 years of marriage. They lived most of their lives in Addison, Vt., where they farmed and raised five sons. The last few years have been spent in Florida.
He is survived by his sons John (Karen) of Clearwater, Fla., Michael (Dawn) of Spring Hill Fla., Phillip (Debra) of Panton Vt., and Pierre of Wolfeboro, N.H. His youngest son, Thomas, passed away in 2015. He leaves nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He’s also survived by his brother Frank and was predeceased by three brothers and four sisters: Wilfred, Albena, Viola, Rena, Carl, Marcelline and Lawrence. 
He was a graduate of the Vermont School of Agriculture and had an illustrious career in aviation. As a B-17 Flying Fortress pilot with Army Air Forces in WWII, he flew 33 combat missions over Nazi Germany. He was shot down, captured and remained a POW until the end of the war. He was awarded two Purple Hearts for wounds received in combat and went on to fly over 100 different aircraft, including helicopters and jets for the VT Army and Air National Guard. His book, “Ready or Not, Into the Wild Blue,” chronicles his dramatic aviation career.
Due to current restrictions, funeral services will likely not take place until next year. In lieu of flowers, donations made to Wounded Warriors Project are appreciated.◊