Saratoga Springs, NY - Rev. Francis Joseph Sands, C.Ss.R., of Lake Avenue, passed away Tuesday (Oct. 7, 2008) at the St. John Neumann Residence. He was 88. Born on Feb. 17, 1920 in Grenock, Scotland, he was a son of the late Francis and Bridgett (Callaghan) Sands. He professed his vows as a Redemptorist on Aug. 2, 1942 in Ilchester, MD and was ordained a Priest on June 22, 1947 at Mt. St. Alphonsus Seminary in Esopus, NY. Father served from 1948 until 1961 in Puerto Rico and spent the later period of his life working in the Southeastern United States in the Redemptorist Vice-Province of Richmond. He came to the St. John Neumann Residence in 2007. Father Sands is predeceased by his sisters, Sister Frances Joseph of the Carmelites Sisters for the Aged and Infirm, Anne Brady, Betty Brazel, Mary Sands, and Veronica Brennen. Survivors include four nieces and nephews as well as one great-niece and one great-nephew. Reception of the Body will be at 4pm Thursday at the Chapel of the St. John Neumann Residence, 233 Lake Ave., followed by a Christian Wake Service at 7pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11am Friday in the Chapel and burial will follow at Mount St. Alphonsus Cemetery in Esopus, NY. Memorials may be made to the Redemptorist Fathers, 233 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway (584-5373).