Francis M. Tober, FBI special agent
Francis M. Tober, 74, of Georgetown, passed away peacefully Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in his home, surrounded by his family. Born in Pelham, N.Y. to Fredrick and Anne Tober, Francis graduated from Iona College and married his high school sweetheart, Elaine Margaret Leggat.
Francis joined the FBI as a special agent in 1969, throughout his career serving in the cities of Minneapolis, New York City, New Rochelle, N.Y., and Buffalo, N.Y.
Francis was a passionate man who loved to read and continually learn. He earned a master's degree in education from Buffalo State College in his retirement years. He made many friends throughout his life, was well known for his penchant to make you laugh with his whacky sense of humor and wit, or to make you feel special with his loving, ever-friendly and gentle way. He always had a tall-tale story ready for anyone who would listen (fact-checking was always advised). He loved mind-teaser jokes, especially the one we'd tell him about "The Missing Dollar." He spent many hours over the years to try to figure out where the other dollar did go.
Francis always wanting to give back to our community, was a volunteer with the American Red Cross Emergency Disaster Services, and Service Officer for the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE).
Francis showed his family and friends how to be continually strong in the face of great adversity. As he was stricken with a severe stroke in 1990, lost his wife at an early age, and battled 20-plus years of various episodes of cardiovascular illnesses and related major surgeries, Francis never stopped "Fighting the Good Fight."
Francis is survived by his brother, Fredrick "Joe" (Claudia) Tober of Bear; and his three children, He was extremely loving and proud of his son Dave (Katy) of Georgetown; and daughters Margaret (Scott) Robbins of Wilmington, N.C., and Kristen (Kevin) O'Brien of Georgetown; and his five grandchildren; Jennifer Robbins and Spencer, JT, Alyson and Madison Tober. Francis lost the love of his life, Elaine in 1997 due to illness.
A Memorial will be held from 3 to 5 p.m., Friday, Nov. 24, at the Sussex Pines Country Club, 22426 Sussex Pines Road, Georgetown.
A Mass of Christian Burial be held in Buffalo at 3 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 28, at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, 6919 Transit Road, Swormville, N.Y. Entombment will immediately follow in the St. Mary's Cemetery.
A special thank you to Delaware Hospice for their loving care and support. Also thank you to Watson Funeral Home of Millsboro for all of their assistance.
Now,that Francis is in Heaven, we suspect that he has figured out the "Missing Dollar" riddle, and finally knows where the other dollar went. Good night sweet Prince. May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest...
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963. Electronic condolences may be made via www.watsonfh.com.
