FRANKLIN P. NOWALK
GREENE – Franklin P. (Frank) Nowalk, 88, of Greene, passed away on Thursday, October 30, 2014 at the New York State Veterans' Home in Oxford with family members at his side. Frank was predeceased by Mary Nowalk, his wife of 55 years, in 2007; parents, Frank and Julia Nowalk; brothers, Donald, Andrew and Carl and sister, Janet. Frank is survived by his daughter, Patricia and husband ,Mike Smith; son, Robert and wife, Nancy Nowalk, son, Randy and wife Krista Nowalk, and son, Marty Nowalk, ten grandchildren, Matthew, Lindsay, Jamie, Jessica, Alexandra, Brandon, Kyle, Cherish, Persephone and RC, and seven great grandchildren Ian, Elijah, Olivia, Elana, Lauren, Ryan and Owen. Frank was one of 14 children and is survived by his sister Kathy Miller (Bill) and brothers Ed (Barb), Willard, Bob (Audrey), Dick (Barb), Jess, Joe (Carmela), Jack (Ruthie) and Russell (Maryanne).
Born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Frank was a veteran of World War II. He enlisted in the Navy when he was 17 years old, went through basic training at the Sampson Naval Training Base in Geneva NY and was deployed to the European theater (Italy) on LST 211. After the war, Frank worked as a “Gandy Dancer” for the railroad, and later for a local lumber company. In 1962 he started with the Raymond Corporation in Greene where he worked as a skilled welder. In addition he also moonlighted on weekends at Baron’s Inn. He retired from Raymond after 28 years of service. After retirement he worked part time as a groundskeeper at the Geneganslet golf course in Greene. Frank enjoyed working outdoors tending his vegetable gardens, working in the yard, and helping host the many family dinners put on with his wife Mary. These were always wonderful celebrations for all who were fortunate enough to be there. Frank was also a prolific reader of books. An avid fan of the Jersey Shore, Frank developed a new circle of friends during his vacations to Wildwood Crest each year. Frank was a wonderful, generous man with a fabulous sense of humor which has clearly been passed on to his children and grandchildren. He will be remembered often, always with a smile. The family would like to thank the staff at Veterans Home in Oxford for the care they provided to Frank during his time there. They are remarkable people who always treated him with respect and dignity.
In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to the New York State Veterans Home, 4207 State Highway 220, Oxford NY 13830, attention to Bobbie Jo White. Private services are under the direction of Root Funeral Home, 23 North Chenango Street, Greene NY and condolences may be sent to the family at www.rootfh.com.