Richard J. "Rick" Francis

Richard Joseph “Rick” Francis, 71, of Weirton, WV, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on January 6, 2026.

He was born on February 3, 1954, the middle of three sons born to the late Joseph E. and Jean (Mostowski) Francis. He was a 1972 graduate of Weir High School and went on to further his education at Jefferson Technical College in Steubenville.

Rick devoted more than fifty years to the steel industry, beginning his career at Weirton Steel and continuing through ISG, ArcelorMittal, and Cleveland-Cliffs, where he worked in the tin mill. Known as a hard worker, Rick was a dedicated provider who took pride in his work and responsibility to his family.

Rick enjoyed the simple pleasures in life. He loved fishing, attending garage sales, and spending time in his garage tinkering and fixing just about anything; his mechanical ability and sharp mind, especially his talent in mathematics, were well known by those who knew him. He also enjoyed visiting Mountaineer Park.

Above all else, Rick’s greatest joy was his family. His daughters and grandchildren were the center of his world, and he would light up whenever they entered the room.

Rick was a member of St. Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church and the Weirton Steel 25-Year Club.

In addition to his parents, Rick was preceded in death by his younger brother, David Allan Francis.

He will be remembered with love by his daughters, Jessica Francis Safreed and her husband William “Roy” Safreed, and Stacey Ann Francis; his grandchildren, Ariella Francis, Liam R. Safreed, and Isla Safreed; his brother; and by the mother of his children, Nancy Ann Francis, with whom he remained caring and good friends throughout the years; and his brother, Thomas Phillip (Susan) Francis ; and his sister in law Jean Considine.

Friends and relatives will be received on Sunday from 4 PM until 7 PM at the Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main Street Weirton, WV

A Funeral Liturgy of the Word will be celebrated 10 AM on Monday at Saint Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church, Weirton.

Fr. Tony Thurston will preside.

Rick will be laid to rest next to his parents at Saint Paul’s Cemetery in Weirton.

Share tributes and memories with his family at www.grecohertnick.com