Be the first to share your favorite memory, photo or story of
Francis.
This memorial page is dedicated for family, friends and future generations to celebrate
the life of their loved one.
We ask on behalf of the family that you keep your comments uplifting and appropriate
to help all who come here to find comfort and healing.
Obituary for Francis Xavior Kadien
Francis "Frank" Xavior Kadien, age 74 of Littleton, Colorado, passed away unexpectedly on October 1, 2019. Frank was born in Queens, New York, in 1945 where he resided for most of his early life. At age 19, he met Diana Nancy Roccabruna at a neighborhood dance, in which they fell madly in love. They later married in Queens on May 27th, 1967.
Early in their marriage, Frank and Diana travelled the world extensively, particularly enjoying Europe’s many sites and cultures. Frank worked tirelessly to build a foundation for his family, including employment as a pipefitter in the Brooklyn Navy Yard where he worked on the USS Putnam (DD-757), a Navy Destroyer, and then through a series of progressive engineering roles at New York Telephone in Manhattan, New York. Frank simultaneously attended night-school at Queens College, achieving Associate’s, Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. Academically, Frank continued to advance, ultimately teaching courses in Computer Science at New York University, an accomplishment that gave him great pride.
While living in the high-paced suburban setting of Queens during the business week, Frank also sought to experience the country life during the weekends. Frank and Diana established a second home in upstate New York in 1981, which served as a platform for Frank’s many hobbies, including farming a substantial annual garden, hand-building many aspects of the house, riding motorcycles, and working on engines and mechanical equipment of all shapes and sizes.
Upon retirement, Frank and Diana chose to escape the Northeast winters by settling in the growing desert retirement communities of Las Vegas, making many lifelong and dear friends. Frank stayed very active in the community, continuing to leverage his engineering skills with endeavors such as Architectural Review Committees and various Homeowner Association boards.
Frank is preceded in death by Diana’s passing in 2004.
Frank was later blessed to meet Colleen Blythe, who had similarly suffered the loss of a lifelong spouse. Together, Frank and Colleen became devoted life companions and confidants, with vows to be “on loan to each other” until called by God to rejoin their spouses. Frank and Colleen relocated to Littleton, Colorado in 2015, where they enjoyed the company of wonderful neighbors and friends.
Frank is survived by his son Brian Kadien (wife Christy Kadien), daughter JoAnn (Kadien) Drebych (husband Andrew Drebych) and grandchildren Karsen Kadien, Diana Drebych and Alexandra Drebych. Frank is also survived by his cherished companion of 14 years, Colleen Blythe.
Frank will be missed dearly, especially for his amazing devotion to family and joyful comradery with dear friends.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Denver Animal Shelter – Dumb Friends League (https://www.ddfl.org) or the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary (https://bestfriends.org), as animal welfare was always near and dear to Frank’s heart and throughout his life.
