Francis Richard Tighe
January 24, 1960 ~ December 30, 2024
Resided in:
South Portland, Maine
Cape Elizabeth - Francis "Fran" Richard Tighe, 64, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Monday, December 30, 2024.
Born on January 24, 1960, in Pennsylvania, Fran was the son of the late James and Priscilla (Gill) Tighe. He was raised on Long Island, NY, and graduated from Ward Melville High School in 1977. He went on to earn a degree in Forestry Engineering from the University of Maine in 1981.
Fran’s professional journey took him across the United States and eventually to London, where he worked in the American plywood industry. Upon returning to Maine, he became a founding member of Vortechnics, pioneering innovations in the stormwater treatment industry. In retirement, Fran found new purpose and excitement in supporting a local seaweed farming start-up and his passion for environmental stewardship.
Fran’s two greatest joys in life were his children, Olivia and Owen. Being their father brought him immense pride and happiness. His family also included his beloved Eloise, the family Wheaton.
A lover of the outdoors, Fran spent much of his life enjoying nature. He was an avid fly fisherman, mountain biker, hiker, and boater, especially treasuring over 50 years of memories on his beloved Sebago Lake.
Fran is survived by his two children, Olivia and Owen; spouse, Diana Tighe; brother, James Tighe and wife Shelley; sisters, Kathryn Perry and husband Scott, and Eileen Russo and husband Frank; and beloved nieces and nephews, Anna, Tess, Kelley, Justin, Dominic, and David.
Visiting hours celebrating Fran's life will be celebrated from 4-7pm on Monday, January 6, 2025, at the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10am on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at St. Maximilian Kolbe, 150 Black Point Road, Scarborough. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, South Portland.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Fran’s memory may be made to the Maine Cancer Foundation, Maine Cancer Foundation, 170 US Rte 1, Suite 250, Falmouth, ME 04105
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Fran and I shared the “proud swim dad” gene and initially met while sitting in the stands, cheering on our intelligent, athletic, and hardworking daughters at swim meets.
Spending this time together led to many interesting conversations, and I deeply appreciated Fran not just for his intelligence, but also for his practical—and sometimes out-of-the-box—thinking.
I always looked forward to our conversations on any topic and will truly miss the ones we’ll never get to have.
Fran Tighe grew up across the street from our family and he and my brother Steve were good friends. They certainly had their share of good times and shenanigans. Sadly both have now passed away. My deepest condolences to Fran’s family and all of the Tighes. Beth Spinner Sutherland
It is with great sadness that I hear of Frans passing. Fran and I worked together to build Vortechnics in to a successful National company and over those years got to know each other well, travelling a lot together and sharing many interesting and special moments. He was a really good human being and a privilege to know him and work alongside him for so many years. May he rest in peace. My wife Brenda and I send our condolences to Diana, his children Olivia and Owen and all his family. David & Brenda Miley
Fran was one of my first friends when I moved to Stony Brook at age 10. We grew closer as the years went by, sharing good and bad school experiences, first girlfriends, first beer, making and not making sports teams and just being my pal. We re-connected about 5 years ago and it was as if we saw each other yesterday. I miss him already.
Super smart, inquisitive, funny and a genuine warmth about him.
Prayers for comfort for Fran’s family. Our families lived close by during the summers on Sebago Lake and I always remember him as quiet and kind.
Always generous with his time, great conversation and good humor. Many happy memories of boat rides on Sebago Lake with him, his family and my wife and children. He will be remembered and missed.