Francis (Fran) Preston Mark Brighton, 75, of Akron, PA peacefully departed this life, Saturday, November 29th, 2014 after a short stay at Golden Living Nursing Home, Exeter, PA.

Fran is survived by his wife of 53 years, Elizabeth Ann (Sola) Brighton, Akron, PA; his children David and Maria (Brighton) Radwanski, Reading, PA; Steven and Michelle (Brighton) Bosch, Wernersville, PA; Jennifer Brighton, Raleigh, NC; Michael and Stephanie (Brighton) Girouard, State College, PA, nine grandchildren, Garrett, Danielle, Nicholas, Arielle, Alexandria, Deva, Diana, Tessa and Keegan and one great-grandchild, Gannon.

Fran was an active member in his community, serving on multiple youth councils, civic committees and boards throughout his life. He was a devoted seeker in his Roman Catholic faith (Our Mother of Perpetual Help, Ephrata, PA) and was a beloved brother, father, uncle, friend and mentor to a large extended family of siblings, brothers and sisters-in-law, abundant nieces and nephews and friends. He was an avid gardener and nature lover.

Born in 1939, Fran was one of eight children born to Thelma (Asper) Brighton and Robert Brighton, both deceased. He worked in sales and finance professions until his retirement in 2006, living and working in Lancaster and Berks County. He spent “my happiest years” in the Ephrata area until his death this week.

A rare senior hemophiliac, Fran’s gratitude and appreciation for the staff at Penn State University Hershey Medical Center and teaching hospital prompted his wish to donate his remains for research and education.

The family will announce a memorial service in the near future.


Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes, Inc., Akron/Ephrata.