Francis W. Seastrand
7/14/11
Francis W. “Shotgun” Seastrand, 81, died July 2 at Tufts Medical Center in Boston after a brief illness.

Born in Norwood Hospital, he was a lifelong resident of Norwood. He was the son of the late John and Helen (Murphy) Seastrand.

Mr. Seastrand attended Norwood public schools and graduated from Norwood High School in 1947. While attending the high school, his accomplishments in football, hockey and baseball teams became legendary. He was a three-sport captain who led his teams by example and was very modest whenever people spoke about him. He was elected into the Norwood High School Hall of Fame.

Upon graduation, he signed with the Boston Braves, playing at Owensboro, Ky.; Dayton, Ohio; and Wellesville, N.Y.

In 1951, during the Korean War, he entered the Marines. While serving, he played for the Camp Lejune Marines and later for the Quantico Marine baseball teams. One of his closest friends and teammates was the late Harry Agganis. He said Mr. Agganis was a better human being than an athlete, which is a great tribute to his friend.

Upon discharge, Mr. Seastrand signed to play for the New York Rangers’ minor league affiliate, the Lynn Pics, and the Berlin Maroons. He also played for the Norwood Mercs hockey club.

After stints in professional sports and in the Marines, he settled down and opened a fence company. He worked for many companies, installing their products while also tending to his own business. He loved the physical work and would not use the modern post diggers, preferring to dig the holes by hand.

He built a vacation home in York Beach, Maine, which all his family enjoyed with him. He was a very generous man who began a summer tradition for his family. His family gathered there every summer for a weekend where many memories became part of their lives.

He is survived by his sister, Marion Lewis, of Milton; his cousin, Christine Goodrich, of Walpole; his dear friend, Kay Grafton, of Dedham; and several loving nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and friends.

He was the brother of the late John Seastrand, Helen Eysie and Cornelius “Connie” Seastrand.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated in St. Catherine of Siena Church, Norwood, on July 7. Burial was in Highland Cemetery, Norwood.

Donations may be made to the Matt Brown Brownie Points Foundation, P.O. Box 398, Norwood, MA 02062.

Arrangements were by the Dolan Funeral Home.