Francis with his daughter Maureen, across the table, and Kay Jacobs at an Ocean City High School Raiders football game in 2017.
By MADDY VITALE
Francis X. McCormac was many things to many people, a doting father of seven, a beloved husband, a decorated U.S. Army veteran and a friend to the many people he came to know in Ocean City, a place he called home since 2006.
On Saturday, at the age of 102, McCormac passed away surrounded by his family at his Ocean City home in United Methodist Communities Wesley by the Bay.
He left behind a legacy of being a highly decorated World War II hero, whose humbleness was endearing and whose sense of humor and wit amused his family and friends.
His many milestones included being a father of seven and devoted husband for 70 years to his wife, Esther, who died in 2016. Over the years, he has been celebrated for his achievements by his daughter, Maureen McCormac, and her wife, Kay Jacobs, of Ocean City.
On both his 99th birthday in 2020 and 100th birthday, Maureen and Kay organized drive-by parades for well-wishers to beep as they drove by McCormac's home at Fourth Street and West Avenue. On each birthday, the veteran smiled and waved as he held up his birthday banner, enjoying the celebrations.
Francis McCormac proudly displays a banner for his drive-by birthday celebration in 2021.
Maureen McCormac expressed some heartfelt words about her father in a Facebook post.
“He lived a long full life and created such a wonderful family. We have so many memories to call upon when we want to laugh, be grateful, be proud,” she said.
“In his last days he was quite clear saying he just wanted to go home. I like to think home is where my mom is and he will be happily reunited with her,” McCormac said of her father. “Rest in peace dad, I will love you forever.”
She thanked the staff at United Methodist Communities, The Shores, who took care of him the last 15 months of his life when he could no longer live independently.
Jacobs said a few words about her father-in-law and how much he meant to her.
“Reen and I have been together since 1986 and he was more of a dad to me than my own dad. Even though he was my father-in-law, he was like a father to me. I was so proud to know him. He was such a nice guy and would help out anybody,” she said. “He was a World War II hero and he was proud of it. He never took his veteran’s hat off. Reen and I just feel lucky to have been able to spend so much time with him.”
In 2020, Consul General of France Anne-Claire Legendre pins a medal on the shirt Francis X. McCormac for his bravery while serving in World War II stationed in France.
Over a long life, he achieved many milestones in both his military and civilian life. In addition to being a father of seven, he was a grandfather and a great-grandfather.
In July of 2020, he was presented by the French Consulate with the highest honor — a Chevalier (Knight) of France’s National Order of the Legion of Honor.
The honor is given to civilians or military members, created in 1802 by Napoleon to recognize men and women who have accomplished exceptional deeds for France and its people. He received the prestigious award at his daughter Maureen's and Jacobs’ Ocean City home.
When interviewed in July of 2020 at their home, prior to the honor being bestowed upon him by the French Consulate, he spoke of his service.
“I don’t talk about it,” McCormac said of his time serving in the war. “I’m just glad I made it – that’s all. I don’t talk about it, but I’m proud that I served my country.”
Francis McCormac joins friends and family outside of his favorite restaurant. (Photo courtesy of McCormac family)
The award was for McCormac’s service from 1942-45 as a signal corpsman, most notably during the D-Day invasion of Omaha Beach in Normandy.
During the Battle of the Bulge, McCormac’s Northern France radio relay unit informed U.S. Army units of the Nazis ruse of dressing in GI uniforms and posing as Military Police to misdirect Allied troops. Those messages were critical in stopping the Nazi efforts.
In 2004, on the 60th anniversary of D-Day, then-French President Jacques Chirac decided to honor all American WWII veterans who had fought on French soil, including McCormac.
On Sunday, Maureen and her sister, Bernadette O’Brien, were making funeral arrangements for their father.
Like Maureen, O’Brien turned to Facebook to say some touching words about a man she felt proud to call dad.
“With so many people who sadly lose their fathers at an early age, I've always felt so grateful and blessed to have had mine for so many wonderful years. My dad had many titles over the years -- some more serious and noble like sergeant, or Chevalier, an honor given to him from his service in World War II, or silly ones when we dubbed him 'The King' after he turned 100,” O’Brien wrote.
She continued, “I will miss him so much, but the wonderful memories of him will remain with me forever. He is now home with my mom, at peace and I hope celebrating with a Manhattan with his family and friends who have gone before him.”
Arrangements are by Jeffries & Keates Funeral Home. The viewing for Francis X. McCormac is Tuesday, Oct. 31, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and Mass will follow at St. Frances Cabrini R.C. Church at 114 Atlantic Ave. in Ocean City.
U.S. Army veteran Francis X. McCormac with his proclamation from the French Consulate in 2020.
