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Mayor Miro Weinberger Statement in Response to Death of Former Burlington Mayor Francis J. Cain

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 15, 2019

Contact: Jordan Redell

                (802) 881-7020

 

Burlington - Today, Mayor Miro Weinberger released the following statement in response to the death of former Burlington Mayor Francis J. Cain, who served as Mayor 1965–1971:

 

“I am deeply saddened to share the news that last night, former Burlington Mayor Frank Cain passed peacefully in his home, surrounded by family and loved ones. During my time as mayor, I have come to know Mayor Cain personally as a wonderful friend and have also developed a great respect for his accomplishments as Mayor. Mayor Cain was a proud but humble man, and always very understated about the important role he played in creating the Burlington that we have today. He revered his wife of 72 years, Mary Jane, their ten children, twenty-seven grandchildren, and twenty-one great grandchildren.  He was impeccable in his style, and always curious and interested in hearing about the City’s work and the progress we have made since his time as Mayor, including by attending every annual State of the City address.

 

“Mayor Cain will be remembered for recognizing the possibility and importance of developing a connection between the downtown and Lake Champlain, pursing innovative and tough legal strategies to remove the gas and oil tanks and beginning the transformation of Burlington’s waterfront. He was also very dedicated to growing the City’s parks system, skillfully negotiating the City’s acquisition of what is now Oakledge Park and starting the effort to acquire what is now Leddy Park, which was successfully completed by his successor, Mayor Gordon Paquette. In this regard, he is truly the godfather of what is modern Burlington.

 

“On behalf of the City of Burlington, I would like to officially thank and commend Mayor Cain for his public service to the City and send our condolences to his wife Mary Jane and the entirety of his wonderful family. I happily remember dedicating the Battery Park Overlook to Mayor Cain and was able to meet many members of the Cain family at that celebration. I know that this St. Patrick’s Day, Mayor Cain’s Irish family and many, many friends will be celebrating his full and accomplished life and his enduring legacy.”

 

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Francis J. Cain was born in and grew up in Burlington, Vermont. He graduated from St. Michael’s College in 1943 and served in the Navy for three years. Before Mr. Cain became Mayor of Burlington, he was the owner of an insurance business. He served as mayor from 1965 to 1971. During his six year term, he was involved in public housing and acquiring the land along the lakefront for public use. Upon his retirement from office, the Burlington Free Press wrote, “Mayor Cain is an honest and realistic executive who perhaps has accomplished more for this City during his tenure than any other Mayor in the Queen City’s history.”

 

Calling hours will be at the Lavigne Funeral Home in Winooski on Thursday, March 21 from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm. A celebration of his life will take place at the St. Michael’s College Chapel on Friday, March 22 at 1:00 pm.

 

 

 

 

 

Press Release Date: 
03/15/2019
City Department: 
Mayor's Office