FRANCIS X. LeCOMPTE SR.

January 3, 1959 - May 10, 2025

Francis X. LeCompte was born, standing up, on a bitterly cold January 3, 1959. Fran was the sixth of eight children born to Henry (Hank) and Helen LeCompte of the Holmesburg section of Northeast Philadelphia.

From an early age, Fran took great interest in animals and the outdoors. He loved exploring nearby Pennypack Park with his brothers (Loy, Jack, Paul, Michael, and Joseph) and sisters (Jeanne and Rosemary), playing sports, and indulging his mischievous side. From his first days to his last, whenever one of his siblings needed someone, Fran always appeared.

Matriculating first at Father Judge High School and later Abraham Lincoln High School, Fran played linebacker and spearheaded the Rail-splitter defense, graduating in 1977. He made many lifelong friends from his days roaming Rowland Avenue and Pennypack Park..

During his formative years, Fran earned the nicknames Frank Nitti, R.P. McMurphy, and Rasputin. A Pete Townshend-penned Who concept album about Fran's early life was unfortunately shelved due to the death of Keith Moon, who likely would have considered Fran a worthy cohort. By any human measuring stick, Fran was lucky to survive the late 1970s-early 1980s. Nevertheless, he gained great wisdom from the scars he accumulated.

Fran's wild and rebellious nature belied a caring and considerate individual who rescued and adopted over two hundred and fifty dogs during his life, including Charles, Babe, Phil, Jack, Jude, and more recently, Ted and Gracie.

Fran attended the University of Scranton and played Tomcat club football. He once delivered a memorable 32-solo tackle, ten sack, three interception performance in a 42-0 drubbing of American U, all in one half of play. Fran later departed Scranton when his entrepreneurial endeavors exceeded university administration parameters.

As a member of the Boilermakers Local 13, Fran was a loyal and esteemed brother; one indication of his dedication was the local's number tattooed on his left arm. He took a patient approach with any project, taking time to think through the problem and fix it.

Having gained an uncompromising and unrivaled worldview, Fran applied the lessons of his experiences to offer sage counsel. As The Don to his family, Fran could say everything without saying anything at all, using his unique facial expressions.

He put his faith in family and God, and loved his country, guns, fishing, and his citizenship. He was proud of the contributions of his forbearers, especially the sacrifices made by his parents and their generation during World War II. Fran was a student of history, war, strategy, and debunking conspiracy theories. He was first to lend a hand to someone in need, and generous of his time to the last second. Fran was, in essence, an American.

Fran was happiest when surrounded by his family, especially his wife, Deb, and sons Francis X. Jr., Drew, and Tim, and their ten grandchildren. Known to many by an array of aliases, pseudonyms, and nicknames during his life, the name Fran most enjoyed was Pop-Pop.

The family spent summer vacations in North Wildwood, where Fran could be found fishing at the beach, the rocks, and the back bays, and especially around Flounder Island. They also enjoyed trips to their mountaintop retreat called The Cabin in New Milford, PA. While there, Fran enjoyed building massive pyres in his firepit and appreciating the majesty of the natural world.

The enduring image of Fran is with a fishing rod or rifle in one hand, a cup of coffee and cigarette balanced in the other, with cookies or other sweet, sweet treats close by. His smile was all-knowing and of great comfort, all at once. Fran was indeed treasured by the LeCompte and Gushue families and many friends.

Fran passed on May 10, 2025 surrounded by his loving family, having succumbed to wounds received while defeating a 30-foot great white shark in single combat.

Family and friends are invited to attend his viewingo Thursday evening May 15, 2025 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Edward J. Petner Funeral Home, 6421 Frankford Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19135.

A mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, May 16, 2025 at 11 a.m. at St. Dominic Parish, 8504 Frankford Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19136.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to the LeCompte family would be greatly appreciated at this time via Venmo @Deb-LeCompte