True Franklin Wells, 82, of Endwell, passed away peacefully in his home on Friday March 5 with his loving wife by his side, as always.
Frank was predeceased by his parents Priscilla and True Wells, his stepfather Edward Duerstling, grandparents William and Gertrude Browne, brother Robert Pitt, and his beloved daughter Kathleen Erickson. Leaving behind to sorely miss him are his wife Jeannine, son and daughter-in-law Daniel and Anne Wells, son Steven Wells, daughter Laureen Wells, grandchildren Timothy Wells and Kristen Wells, sister Beverly Wells, cousin Bill (&Peg) Browne, his “like a son” Christopher Palmer and his family, his very dear friends of 40-plus years Barbara and Harry Fuller, and many other close friends, nieces, and nephews.
Moving to Coxsackie, New York as a boy of 10, he remained forever an avid Red Sox fan, but one of the greatest illustrations of the kind of man he was is shown in the loving encouragement he gave his children as they became life-long fans of the New York Yankees.
Frank graduated from Syracuse University in May of 1960 with a Mathematics degree, and three months later he married his college sweetheart Jeannine. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary last August. They began their married life at Fort Belvoir, Virginia where Frank served as First Lieutenant in the Army Corp of Engineers, serving the last year of his enlistment deployed to Korea.
Upon completing his military service, he began his 30 year career at IBM Endicott. Frank also served his community as a Broome County Legislator in the 1970s. After retiring from IBM, he worked for three years as Business Manager for Broome County Catholic Schools. Later on, he helped his daughter Kathleen draw up a business plan for what became a successful durable medical supply business in Ohio, Innovative Health Services (IHS). He remained an officer in IHS until Kathi’s passing and, with a heavy heart, for several years after until he sold the business.
Frank was a faithful parishioner at Church of the Holy Family, continually active in church activities throughout the years, having been chairman of the Finance Committee, Bazaar chairman, CCD teacher, Eucharistic Minister, and daily Mass attendee. He was truly a devoted family man —- always involved in his children’s activities as they were growing up —- never missing a game, a play, a recital, or any school function. He even found the time to be a Little League coach. His favorite pastime was playing golf, which he really missed being able to do these last couple of years, and he loved to play table games, especially cards, creating many memorable moments as games could last into the wee hours, partly because he had to rehash each hand before moving on to the next one.
The family would like to thank so many in our parish family for all of the prayers and goodies they sent our way, especially our dear friend Carla Noreika for the countless meals and love she sent to us throughout these hard months.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday 11 am at Church of the Holy Family, 3600 Phyllis Street, Endwell. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City. The family will receive friends at church Wednesday from 10 am until Mass time at 11 am. To Live Stream www.holyfamilyendwell and click on “Watch Mass”. Those wishing may donate in Frank’s memory to Lourdes Hospice, Mercy House, or to Church of the Holy Family.