Francis E. Tobin Dies at 85; Resident of Dedham

Francis Edward Tobin age 85 passed away at his home in Dedham surrounded by his family on March 26, 2013 after a battle with lung cancer. Frank was born on August 22, 1927 in Dorchester.

He is predeceased by his parents James J. Tobin and Annie (Connolly) Tobin, his brothers Thomas Tobin, John Tobin and sister Virginia Crockford. Frank was also predeceased by his wife Marianne (Ryan) Tobin and son Joseph Tobin of Dedham.

On his way into Boston one day, he and a friend were given a ride by a gentleman who happened to be a Jockeys agent. He talked about the race track and told the boys to look him up at the track. Frank followed through and the man introduced him to R.W. Collins who put him to work exercising horses. He was 15. A short while later he was racing. After frequent visits to his mother by the truant officer and his name appearing in the daily racing forms his mother signed his working papers and the rest makes for a rich and storied history. Frank enjoyed his years on the track and the many friends from around the country and beyond. His family would like to thank his friends for their many calls, cards and well wishes.

Frank is survived by his brother James Tobin of Hull; wife Linda Tobin of Dedham, her son Kevin and his wife Kelly Gibney of Revere; his former wife Paula Tobin of Waltham; children Frank Jr. and Audrey Tobin of Grand Rapids, MI, Marianne and Kenneth Sayers of Dedham, Matthew and Donna Tobin of Spring Lake, MI, Timothy Tobin of Dedham, George Tobin and Miguel Hernandez of Brookline, Theresa and Kendyl Schaefer of Dedham, Daniel Tobin of Canton and Stephen and Kerry Tobin of Mansfield. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather for visiting hours in the George F. Doherty & Sons Wilson-Cannon Funeral Home, 456 High St. DEDHAM, on Monday, April 1 from 4:00-8:00 pm and again on Tuesday, April 2 at 11:30 am prior to leaving for interment services in St. Joseph Cemetery, West Roxbury.