Francis Patrick Powers, 87, of Ashland, passed away, Tuesday, March 18th at his home in Ashland. Born in Westborough, MA; he was raised by the late John and Marion Neva (Powers) Davis. He was the husband of Catherine (Hogan) Powers for 56 years. Mr. Powers held a doctorate in Education from Boston College and held teaching positions with Newton College of the Sacred Heart, Boston College, and retired as the Head of Education at Fitchburg State College in 1984. A resident of Ashland since 1956, he was the past president and trustee of the Ashland Historical Society and member of the Historical Commission; Past president of the Ashland Library Trustees, chairman of the Friends of the Council on Aging; a member of the Ashland Finance Committee, and longtime lector at St. Cecilia's Church in Ashland. Mr. Powers served his country honorably with the Army during WWII. In addition to his wife, he is survived by four children: Ellen Beals and her husband Paul of Oviedo, FL; Catherine Chase and her husband John of Barre, MA; John Powers and his wife Karen of Silver Springs, MD; and Thomas Powers and his wife Eileen of Mechanicsburg, PA; and nine grandchildren; Jennifer and Julie Beals; Jeremy, Jessica, and Erin Chase; and Michael, Linda, Kathleen, and Sara Powers. He was the brother of the late Joseph, William, and James Powers. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, March 25th at 9:00am in St. Cecilia's Church in Ashland with burial to follow in Wildwood Cemetery. Calling hours will be held Monday from 5:00-8:00 PM in the Matarese Funeral Home (www.mataresefuneral.com) 325 Main St. in Ashland. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Metrowest Hospice, 85 Lincoln St. Framingham, MA 01702.