RADM Francis William Lacroix, USN (Ret.), passed away peacefully at age 79 on January 14, 2026, in Punta Gorda, Florida.

A native of Spencer, Massachusetts and the second eldest of nine children born to Albert Ronald Lacroix and Marie (Berthiaume) Lacroix, he was a 1963 magna cum laude graduate of Assumption Preparatory School in Worcester, Massachusetts. He then entered the NROTC program at The Ohio State University where he studied physics and French. After graduation in 1967, he married his “lovely prep school sweetheart,” Maryellen Donelan. He then entered the Navy’s nuclear propulsion training program where he completed his post-graduate studies in nuclear engineering.

He served in the Navy for 35 years and in the nuclear submarine service for over 20 years during which he served on several nuclear submarines.  In addition to making many undersea deployments, he supervised the refueling and construction of nuclear submarines and was a member of the nuclear propulsion examining board (NPEB) which was responsible for monitoring the nation’s nuclear Navy for safe operation.  He commanded the nuclear attack submarines USS Jacksonville and USS Dallas, then Squadron 12, comprised of seven nuclear attack submarines. At this time he also led submarine tactical development for the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets.

While in the Navy, he was awarded a fellowship to study Defense Economics at the RAND Corporation, a think tank in California, after which he served as head of the Navy’s Program Development branch in Washington, D.C.

In 1991, he was promoted to Rear Admiral. He then attended the J.F.K. School of Government at Harvard University as a Senior National Security Fellow.  As an admiral, he first served as the Director of the Department of the Navy’s multi-billion-dollar Navy and Marine Corps Manpower and Operations budgets. Next, he was assigned to the Joint Staff as Deputy Director for Force Structure and Resources (J-8). Here he led several major defense reviews including those affecting the reduction/reorganization of U.S. military forces after the Cold War and the post-Desert Storm review of national and combat intelligence needs and capabilities.

In 1993, he was promoted to Rear Admiral (upper half) and advanced to be the Director (J-8) where he became the principal budget and military acquisition advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In November of 1995, he was selected for promotion to Vice Admiral and assigned to a Fleet Command. Medical circumstances ended his sea-going career.

While on active duty he received many individual and unit awards including the Legion of Merit (4), the Defense Distinguished Service Medal (2), and the Navy and Defense Expeditionary Medals, the Battle Efficiency “E”, the Navy and Meritorious Unit Commendations and several others. He retired on January 1, 2002.

Following retirement from the Navy, he first became Executive Vice President and Director of Studies and Analysis for the Engineering Division of Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) in McLean, Virginia. He then spent several years as a Senior National Security Policy analyst at RAND Corporation. He was a lifetime member of the Ohio State Alumni Association and was the 2010 Ohio State NROTC Alumni Honoree. He was also a member of the Naval Institute and the Naval War College Foundation.

In retirement, Frank continued to challenge himself intellectually through reading, studying languages, and travelling the world with Maryellen, his beloved wife of 58 years. One of his greatest joys was encouraging his children and grandchildren in their studies and personal endeavors. He will be remembered for his devotion to his family and friends, his dedication to the U.S. Navy and The Ohio State University and his unwavering faith in God.

He is survived by his loving wife, Maryellen, daughter Kristen Harnisch, son-in-law David Harnisch, daughter Katherine Lacroix, grandchildren Tyler, Natalie, Ellen, Ryan, and Julia and siblings Eve-Marie, Joseph, Paulette, Victor, Monique, Charles and Marie. He is predeceased by his brother Vincent Lacroix, and son Matthew Lacroix, a Navy Reserve Commander and submariner.

Admiral Lacroix will be buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery at a date to be announced.

Friends may visit online at www.robersonfh.com to extend condolences to the family.  Arrangements by Roberson Funeral Home, Punta Gorda, Florida.