Obituary of Francisco M Negron

Francisco María Negrón (USAF MSGT Retired) died peacefully in his sleep on August 6, 2020 in Voorhees, New Jersey.

Family

The youngest of seven children, Francisco was born on May 25, 1930 in Ponce, Puerto Rico to Alejandro Negrón Almodovar and Eduarda Cádiz Gonzalez.  Known as “Pancho” by his loved ones and friends, married Telva “Chony” Alzamora (who preceded him death), on February 23, 1959, at the Episcopal Cathedral of St. Luke in Ancón, Canal Zone.  Together they raised three children in military bases across the United States and in Panama. He is survived by daughter, Joana L. Rivera, and husband Luis; son, Erik R. Negrón and wife, Elizabeth; and, son Francisco M. Negrón, Jr., and husband, Dan.  “Ito” is also survived by his grandchildren, Francisco A. Morales; Alberto D. Morales and wife, Yaska; Emily C. Negrón; Madeleine Hunt; Ian A. Negrón; Oliver Q. Negrón-Scott; and great-grandchildren Halle A. Morales and Nysanie L. Morales, and many loving family members and friends.

Legacy

After graduating from Napa High School in Napa California, he joined the U.S. Air Force in 1951 and served honorably until 1975, when he retired from his final assignment as an Avionics Instrument Instructor at the Inter-American Air Forces Academy (IAAFA) at Albrook Air Force Base, Canal Zone.   He was highly respected by leadership, peers, and students for his dedication to the USAF mission.   He is the recipient of the Air Force Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and both Army and Air Force Good Conduct Medals. Following his retirement from the USAF, he graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a Minor in Criminology.  In 1975 he was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason in Darién Lodge (later Gatún Lodge), A.F.& A.M., Panama Canal District of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts where he quickly proceeded through the chairs to become Worshipful Master.  He was a devoted Master Mason, attaining the rank of 32nd Degree K.C.C.H. in the Scottish Rite.  He was an avid Shriner and member of the Abou Saad Temple, A.A.O.N.M.S, and a mentor to many young men through his work as Chapter Dad, Pacific Chapter, Order of DeMolay in Balboa, Canal Zone.  His respected and outstanding work with DeMolay led him to be inducted into the Order of DeMolay’s Legion of Honor.

A true renaissance man, Pancho’s life spanned the gamut from amateur race car driver (he founded Panama’s first car racing club, which remains in existence) to expert fisherman to fixer of just about anything electrical or mechanical.  He was an avid reader and in his later years authored several books of science fiction.  Pancho was a great family man who spared no effort in providing for his family, inculcating in his children the value of hard work, education, and self-determination.  His intelligence was evident in the depth of the conversations he enjoyed with his friends, and the tactical approach he took in everything from fishing to boxing to competitive domino games.  Solid, centered, beloved by family and friends new and old, his legacy of giving 100 percent to every task, and of never, ever quitting, will live on in us.  We love you, Papi.

Farewell Tribute

Family and friends are invited to attend his viewing on Friday, August 21st from 12:00PM to 2:00PM in the McGuinness Funeral Home, 34 Hunter Street, Woodbury, NJ 08096.  Funeral Service at 2:00PM.  Interment at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington Virginia.

Face masks or facial coverings should be worn and social distancing should be observed when possible.