John F. Francis, Jr.

Mr. John F. Francis, Jr., age 80, of Frankfort, and formerly of Coombs Road, Holland Patent, passed away on Friday, December 11, 2009 at the Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare Center with his loving family by his side. Born in North Tonawanda, NY on March 4, 1929, John was the son of the late John F., Sr. and Katherine (Cierlik) Francis. He was raised and educated in Utica and Holland Patent. A proud veteran of the U.S. Army, he served his country during the Korean Conflict. On December 4, 1975 he married the former Caroline Poplasky with whom he shared 34 loving years. As a young man, John was employed by the Griffiss Air Force Base for 20 years as a mechanic and then ventured into his own business enterprise, Francis Mobil on Rutger Street, and Francis Chevron in North Utica, the position from which he retired. Upon leaving his business, he returned to Griffiss Air Force Base where he worked for another 10 years, retiring in 1991. John traveled abroad with his wife to Madeira Island in Portugal, where he made many connections with his family, South America, England, and South Africa. He looked forward to spending winters at his home in St. Petersburg, Florida where he enjoyed fishing and basking in the bright sunshine. As pastimes, he pursued gardening, hunting, working on cars and wine making – others always enforcing the precautionary injunction, “Don’t go into the basement!” John is survived by his wife, Caroline; his daughters and sons-in-law, Kim and Michael Peppenelli of Marcy, Valerie and Carl Schultz of St. Louis, MO; and Johnna Francis and fiancé, Robert Walker, of Utica; his son and daughter-in-law, John III and Sandy (Maneen) Francis of Syracuse; the mother of his children, Patricia (Paciello) Francis; and his grandchildren, Michael, Megan, and Ariel Peppenelli; Matthew, Bryan, and Adam Schultz; Jennifer Francis; and Aubrey, Alaura, and Amory Francis. In addition, he leaves his 6 step-children, Deborah and Charles Newton, Jr. of Clayville, Douglas and Carolyn Brown of Clinton, Roxanne and Richard Mirch of Long Eddy, NY, Roberta Hunter of Westmoreland, Steven and Patricia Brown of Utica, and Laura and Phil Casamento of Frankfort; his 13 step-grandchildren; and his 5 great-step-grandchildren. Survivors also include his brothers and sisters-in-law, Edward and Pat Francis of New Hartford, Arthur and Rosalie Francis of Marcy, and Albert and Loretta Francis of Deerfield; many nieces, especially acknowledging a very special niece, Kathy Talerico of Houston, TX, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws, Pauline and Edward Woznicki of PA, Jane Koscinski of Cold Brook, Chester and Maryann Poplaski, John and Christine Poplasky, and Thomas and Deborah Poplaski. He was predeceased by his sisters and brothers-in-law, Irene and Frederick Bodurtha, Eleanor and Chester Pollack, and Gloria and Roscoe Stocker. The family is grateful to the nurses and staff of the 6th floor oncology wing at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center and the Emergency Room staff, especially Dr. Samir Desai and Dr. Jorge Ferreiro, and all the other caring personnel who attended to John. Visitation will be held Monday from 11:00-1:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial donations in John’s honor to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital, or the American Cancer Society; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. John's funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Monday afternoon at 1:00 at the funeral home immediately upon conclusion of visitation with the Rev. Felix Colosimo officiating. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery.

John F. Francis, Jr.

March 4, 1929 - December 11, 2009