William Arthur Francis

William Arthur Francis represented his country in the United States Air Force from February 1965 to October 1968. He served in Vietnam at the 7th Air Force Headquarters on Tan Son Nhut Air Base from June 1967 to May 1968, and upon completion of his service, Mr. Francis received an honorable discharge as an E4 Sergeant and was awarded both the Air Force Commendation Medal and the Air Force Good Conduct Medal.  

Mr. Francis worked in the New York City Transit Authority for 30 years, retiring in June 2006. He not only distinguished himself as an effective Yard Dispatcher and Supervisor, but set the bar for teamwork, efficiency, productivity and professional excellence.  

Preceding his retirement, Mr. Francis was ordained as a minister. He became a full-time community activist, embarking on several projects, including forming a two-person team at St. James Park where he fed children free dinners, organizing a Father’s Day event with a children’s poetry contest and holding a Periodic Table of Elements Children’s Contest. Staying involved with the youth of the community has always been very important to him.  

Mr. Francis has lived at 2559 Sedgwick Avenue since 1988, where he has served as the president of the tenants association since 2011, and previously as vice president. He was instrumental in securing the seasonal ice skating ring at Van Cortland Park, bringing the Parks Department and a councilman together to build a soccer field at St. James Park, getting funding for restoration of the World War I Monument and forming the first veteran’s committee at Community Board 7.  

Mr. Francis has served his community as a member of Community Board 7 since 2010 and was Chairperson of its Park Committee from 2011 to 2013. He is an executive board member for the Alliance for Retired Americans, an elder abuse presenter with the Institute for Senior Action and an advisory committee member for JASA-IFSA.  

William Francis has remained involved in his community since the day he joined the Air Force. He served with gallantry and honor, and has committed his life to the betterment of his community.