Mr. Michael "Frank" Owens

UTICA - Mr. Michael “Frank” Owens, age 73, passed away on Saturday, June 15, 2019 at MVHS at St. Elizabeth Medical Center. Born in Ireland on April 4, 1946, Frank ventured to the United States alone, when he was age 19, and settled in the Utica-Rome area. At one time, he was married to the former Joann L. Brodowski and to that union came the blessing of their son, Sean. Frank was an accomplished musician and a talented self-taught bass guitarist and backup singer. In the 1970’s, his band “Triple Play” performed top-forty songs locally as well on-the-road as a traveling band. He was at his best when performing. He also held positions at the Trinkaus Manor Motor Lodge, the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, and Utica National Insurance Company. Frank will be remembered for his smile and the twinkle in his “Irish eyes”. Humor was always his companion. His jokes were well-delivered and well-received, and his thick Irish Brogue brought beautiful intonation to his voice and interest to his audience. His inner qualities were admirable. He was good-natured, soft-spoken, non-judgmental, witty, gentle, charming and especially loving. He had a wealth of virtues and was rich in ways that really counted. The nature and strength of his principles shaped his personality — he never caused harm to anyone. He was not always aware of his goodness because his humble nature was not self-serving. When he was 12 years old, his mother passed away unexpectedly in his arms. He faced this and other adversities with courage and commitment, and he worked hard to become the man he became. Joann was a major stabilizing force in his life and after the birth of their son, his free spirited lifestyle transformed him into a responsible family man. This was the best time of his life. He enjoyed family gatherings and loved to tell stories using Irish blarney to charm and flatter family and friends. Whenever there was music, with little coaxing from family and friends, we could always count on Frank to do the “worm dance” which astonished and entertained us. This is one of many wonderful memories that will never be forgotten by his family. As a young boy, he taught himself to swim and was fond of taking dips in the cold seas surrounding Ireland. Frank was a “one day at a time” kind of guy, and he tried to make each day count. He is survived by his former wife and forever friend, Joann; his son, Sean D. Owens and his love Katherine Dennihy; and his grandson, Maximus Ryan Dennihy Owens. Frank was one of three children including, brother Sean Owens, and sister Kaye and John Fanning of Ireland; in-laws, Robert F. and Lucy S. Brodowski, Dr. Michael J. Brodowski and Melissa Wilson, Anita M. Pariseau and Tim Burke; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and his good friend, Sara Moshier. He was preceded by his parents; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Walter and Mary Brodowski. The family is grateful to the personnel of MVHS at St. Elizabeth Medical Center, especially the 3rd Floor staff for their gentle, dignified care; and Fr. Kevin Bunger for his prayers and the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. Frank's family will commemorate his life at a private time. By family request, please omit floral offerings. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary’s Church in Auburn, NY at a future date and time. https://youtu.be/TcGmLu27OlI When Irish Eyes Are Smiling There's a tear in your eye And I'm wondering why For it never should be there at all With such pow'r in your smile Sure a stone you'd beguile So there's never a teardrop should fall When your sweet lilting laughter's Like some fairy song And your eyes twinkle bright as can be You must laugh all the while And all other times smile And now, smile a smile for me When Irish eyes are smiling Sure, 'tis like the morn in Spring In the lilt of Irish laughter You can hear the angels sing When Irish hearts are happy All the world seems bright and gay But when Irish eyes are smiling Sure, they steal your heart away For your smile is a part Of the love in your heart And it makes even sunshine more bright Like the linnet's sweet song Crooning all the day long Comes your laughter so tender and light For the springtime of life Is the sweetest of all And there is ne'er a real care or regret And while springtime is ours Throughout all of youth's hours Let us smile each chance that we get When Irish eyes are smiling Sure, 'tis like the morn in Spring In the lilt of Irish laughter You can hear the angels sing When Irish hearts are happy All the world seems bright and gay But when Irish eyes are smiling Sure, they steal your heart away When Irish eyes are smiling Sure, 'tis like the morn in Spring In the lilt of Irish laughter You can hear the angels sing When Irish hearts are happy All the world seems bright and gay But when Irish eyes are smiling Sure, they steal your heart away

Mr. Michael "Frank" Owens

April 4, 1946 - June 15, 2019