Francis Anderson

Francis Anderson died peacefully on Saturday, February 17th, 2024, at Sarasota Memorial Hospital. He was born in Hannibal, Missouri on October 19, 1951, to Jack and Aldyne Anderson. He is survived by his daughter Gretchen Dominguez, grandsons Joey and Charli Dominguez, and son John Francis Anderson (Allison Still). He is also survived by his brothers, Cass Anderson of Sarasota, and Michael Anderson, of LaGrange, Georgia, his sister Heidi Connor of Sarasota and numerous nieces and nephews. Fran spent his youth in Sullivan, Illinois. He moved to Sarasota with his family in 1968 when his father became co-owner of Marina Jack. Fran worked alongside his parents and siblings at Marina Jack, and it was this experience that formed his interest in becoming a chef. He was a creative chef, exploring new techniques and flavor pairings. His gumbo was his delicious signature dish. Fran also enjoyed baking. In December, he would make gingerbread houses, spending hours elaborately decorating them and then gifting them to family and friends. He was a storyteller, never missing an opportunity to tell a joke or pun. Fran’s creativity included his drawing skills. He drew with a passion, creating colorful abstract compositions using grease pencils and pastel crayons. In his mid-twenties with a wife and two children, Fran was diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. This changed the course of his life and resulted in many ups and downs. Despite his challenges, Fran enjoyed life, had a successful career, and built many lasting friendships. He was very grateful for the support he received from the AA community, the Sarasota branch of the National Association for Mental Illness and the Prospect House of Sarasota. Fran will be buried next to his grandmother at Maple Grove Cemetery, Virginia, Illinois. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Whitaker Gateway Park between 3:00-5:00pm. Follow this link for more information on the park. https://www.letsplaysarasota.com/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/178/4753?npage=3) Donations should be sent to The Prospect House of Sarasota and/or the Sarasota branch of the National Association of Mental Illness.

Tributes

Francis Anderson

October 19, 1951 - February 17, 2024