Francois Antoine Lucien Padovani

PADOVANI, Francois Antoine Lucien, age 83, of Walpole, formerly of Westwood, died peacefully on January 6, 2021 surrounded by his family. Beloved husband of Mary Ann (Rioux) Padovani for 25 years. Loving father of Marc Padovani, and Pierre Padovani and his wife Claudina and stepfather of Robert Rioux and his wife Laurie, Marie (Rioux) Berry and her husband Warren, Marc Rioux and his wife Kym, and Michele Rioux. Proud grandfather of Celine, Ethan and Willow Padovani and Ian and Elyssa Padovani and step-grandchildren Ben and Nicolas Rioux, Lindsey Berry, and Max, Samantha, Julia and Alexander Rioux. Also survived by his brother Jean-Paul Padovani and his sister Catherine Malrieu.
Francois was born on August 22, 1937 in Versailles, France, the son of Paul Padovani and Jacqueline Francois, and spent his childhood years in Paris. After earning an undergraduate degree in engineering at the University Ecole Superiere, Francois traveled to the U.S. where he earned a PhD in Electrical Engineering at Stanford University in 1962 and later became a naturalized citizen in 1971. His career with Texas Instruments (TI) began in Dallas, Texas in 1963 where he spent much of his early career developing new laser technology. Francois transferred to Attleboro, MA in 1977 where he focused his work on material technologies throughout the remainder of his 35-year tenure. Numerous career highlights include: working on the early stages of the semiconductor industry, developing and managing TI's first polysilicon plant, creating an experiment for the first orbital space station Skylab and inventing low-cost night vision for cars, sensor technologies, low-cost flexible solar panels and clad-metals to inhibit rust (notably used in the reconstruction of the Statue of Liberty). Although Francois retired in 1997, he continued to consult with various companies on technology and strategy, also serving as a proposal reviewer for government agencies. Francois had a passion for studying emerging technologies as well as his theories for the explanation of dark matter and gravitational decay.
Francois truly enjoyed all life had to offer. He and Mary Ann were avid travelers and they enjoyed many adventures and memorable trips around the globe. For many years, he also went on great sailing adventures with life-long friends. He and Mary Ann spent many happy days in their cabin in Maine, and at their home in Westwood among family and friends.
Plans for a celebration of Francois' life will take place when it is safe to gather. Current funeral arrangements are private. Donations in his honor may be made to apdaparkinson.org or kindredhealthcare.com. Online condolences may be offered at hdlfuneralhome.net.