Mr. Francis J. Cornacchioli.

WORCESTER - Mr. Francis J. Cornacchioli, 70, formerly of Auburn, died Wednesday, December 26, 2012 in his home with his family by his side after a short and courageous battle with lung cancer.

Born in Worcester on July 9, 1942 he was the son of the late Bruno and Mary (Patriarco) Cornacchioli. He graduated from Worcester Boys Trade class of 1960 as a cabinet maker. He served our country in the Army National Guard.

His professional career included designing and building numerous displays at the Worcester Science Center, including exhibits in the African room. He retired this past summer from Exhibit Technology.

Fran's passions included many things outdoors: most especially his love of fly fishing. As a fisherman he remembered the words of Henry David Thoreau, "Many go fishing all their lives without knowing it is not the fish they are after." He was a member of the Wantastiquet Trout club in Weston, Vermont and the New England Fly Tiers Association. He was also a professional wood carver and many of his pieces won awards. Fran was a proud Eagle Scout and Chief Order of the Arrow Troop 525.

Fran leaves his partner, Janet O'Connell with whom he lived in Worcester; his daughters, Angela Cornacchioli Snell and her husband, Gerald Snell and AnnMarie Wall and her...