Charles J. Francis, 60, of Ellington rode off into the sunrise on Sunday, February 26, 2023 surrounded by his loving family. He was born May 31, 1962 in Hartford, the son of the late Alfred and Kathleen (McAuley) Francis. Charlie graduated from Ellington High School in 1980. He worked for AlKay, his family’s oil business, and then went to Louisiana to work on the pipeline before moving back to Connecticut where he worked for Art Barber, and finally Spazzarini Construction, where he retired. He is survived by his brother, Michael Francis and his wife Marita. He is also survived by his niece and goddaughter, Caitlin, and his nephew Christopher and his fiancé, Amanda. He leaves behind his longtime partner Gina Millix, and a large extended family and many friends, including his brother from another mother, Rick “Hooter” Trzcinski. Charlie loved his family and friends, but his horses and dogs were his real loves. The family would like to thank everyone with Hartford Healthcare Hospice Care. The nurses who attended to Charlie in his final weeks were exceptionally kind and compassionate. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at St. Bernard Church, 25 St. Bernard Terrace, Rockville, CT. Burial will follow at Ellington Center Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association and/or US Horse Welfare & Rescue. For online condolences please visit: www.pietrasfuneralhome.com