FRANKLIN: John Henry "Hank" Versprille

John Henry “Hank” Versprille, 65, of Franklin, died peacefully on December 28 at his home surrounded by his beloved family. He was the husband of Ellen (McElduff) Versprille for the past 38 years.

Hank was born in Rochester, NY on September 28, 1959, to his father and mother, the late Peter and Marie (Gieschen) Versprille. He was raised in Pittsford, NY and graduated from Pittsford Sutherland High School. He received a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Clarkson University and was a proud member of the TDK fraternity. Following college graduation, he moved to the Boston area where he began his career, and most notably made lasting memories with his friends in pubs, sports arenas, and music venues throughout the city. On October 12, 1986, Hank and Ellen started their life together. They raised their family in Franklin, MA, with a short and happy stint in Exeter, NH.

Hank enjoyed cooking, all sports, crossword puzzles, and sunsets at the Jersey Shore and from the front stoop of his home on Hillside Road. His favorite places were LBI, Belmar, Cutchogue, Beacon, and the “veranda” in the Gallagher’s backyard. He loved a good tailgate and was famous for his egg sandwiches, lamb chops, and cold beverages. His passion was feeding people around his dining room table. One month before his passing he single-handedly made 86 meatballs for his people.

Hank’s true happy place was watching his kids play and coach lacrosse in rain, snow, sleet, or hail. He worked quietly behind the scenes to introduce the sport of lacrosse in Franklin and to support Franklin athletics.

He was a man of action, not of words. He “showed up” and was someone you could always depend on. He was a devout family man.

In addition to his wife, Hank is survived by his children, Anne Versprille of Franklin, MA, Jake Versprille of West Roxbury, MA, and Marta Versprille King and husband, A.J., of Franklin, MA; his siblings, Sher Versprille and Jeanne Shiao of Fairport, NY, Peter Versprille and wife, Mary, of Rochester, NY, and Martha Versprille of Gloucester, MA. He was the brother of the late Mary Nicoll and husband, Jim. Hank is also survived by many members of the Versprille and McElduff families, “fremily,” and friends.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, January 4 in the Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin ( ginleyfuneralhomes.com 131 Main Street, Franklin from 3:00-5:30 p.m., with a service being held at 5:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Hank’s memory to the Franklin Recreation Department Gift Account (Coach Hank Assistance Fund) which will support families interested in participating in youth sports. Please mail checks made out to the “Town of Franklin c/o Recreation Gift Account” to:

Franklin Recreation Department

275 Beaver Street

Franklin, MA 02038