FRANCIS N. KAWA was born in Camden, New Jersey on December 16, 1931 to Frances and Nicholas Kawa.

The family was living at 1035 Atlantic in 1940 and through at least 1947. Francis Kawa served with the United States Navy during the Korean War. He returned to Camden after his service was completed and by the end of the decade was living at 1251 Jackson Street. He later moved to Morton Street, and when residency restrictions were lifted in the 1970, he moved to Glendora, New Jersey.

Francis Kawa was appointed to the Camden Fire Department on June 27, 1960 and reported for duty on July 1, 1960. Much of his career was spent with Engine Company 11 on North 27th Street in Cramer Hill. From August 9, 1965 through March 4, 1966 he worked with Engine Company 9 at North 27th Street and Federal Street in East Camden. 

Francis Kawa later moved to Clementon, New Jersey. He died on February 14, 2004. He was survived by his wife, the former Mary Langraf.