MICHAEL L. FRANCIS

MIDDLEBURY — Michael L. Francis, born on Oct. 25, 1964, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, at the age of 61 after battling cancer for the past 14 years.

He was born in Burlington, Vt., the son of Clifford and Winifred (Shores) Francis of North Ferrisburgh, Vt. Mike graduated from Vergennes High School, class of 1982, and went on to attend UVM for Cheese Making/Manufacturing. Mike worked at International Cheese as a manager until 1991, when he started Mr. Mike’s Cleaning Service, which he owned and operated until his passing.

Mike has been with the love of his life, Tina, since 1991.

They moved to Middlebury in 1994, where they raised their family. He has been a staple in the community since then. Mike enjoyed snowmobiling with his sons, and family vacations at the ocean, enjoying the hot sun with his feet in the sand. For the past five years he has enjoyed camping in his RV at Smokerise Campground with his wife Tina.

Middlebury Police department put it best “He will be remembered for his quick wit, sharp sense of humor, and the unmistakable warmth that he brought everywhere he went. Above all what stood out most about Mike was his unwavering love, pride and absolute devotion to his family. Anyone who knew Mike could see how central they were to his life and that love will remain his enduring legacy. He will be deeply missed”

Mike is survived by his wife, Tina; sons, Traven (Rebecca) of Brandon, and Michael (Natalia) of East Middlebury; and daughters, Lindsey of Saint Albans and Shyanne of Lincoln; his sister Sherry (Tim) Lyon of Starksboro; brother Hank (Eva) of Bothel, Wash.; sister Deborah (Bill) Geehan of East Middlebury; and brother Norman of Bristol. He is also survived by grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Mike was predeceased by his father, Clifford; mother, Winnie; sister Barbara; and brother Ronald.

There will be calling hours on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 4-7 p.m., at Brown-McClay Funeral home in Vergennes, and a closed funeral from 7-8 p.m. There will also be a celebration of life open to the entire community at the Vergennes Legion Post 14 on Saturday, Jan. 10, from 1-4 p.m. ◊