Francis W. Ficarro

Boonville- Francis W. Ficarro, 72, of Boonville, passed away Saturday, September 21, 2024, in the comfort of his home, with his wife, Kate at his side.

Affectionately known as Fran, he was born on December 24, 1951, in Utica, the son of Frank R. and Alice E. Ficarro. He was a graduate of Thomas R. Proctor High School, Utica, obtained an Associates Degree at MVCC, before earning a Bachelor’s degree in BA, at Utica College of Syracuse University.

In 1971, Mr. Ficarro joined the Army National Guard with the 107 MP unit out of Utica. He proudly served in the Army National Guard for six years and was honorably discharged in 1977, cherishing his Veterans status. During his service, his unit was called to assist at the devastating floods in the southern tier of New York state, during Hurricane Agnes, in June, 1972.

On August 27, 1977, Fran was united in marriage with Kathleen A. Hanrahan, at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, in Utica. Although he had no children, he did have four “favorite” fur babies over the years; Babe, Huey, Cazza and Sliq.

Fran was employed at Oneida National Bank – now known as Bank of America for 19 years – participating in the Manager Training program. In 1989, he retired from the bank to pursue employment with Verizon, starting out as a directory assistance NYC operator, then moving to the Business Office in Utica and Watertown, before moving on to Syracuse, serving as a manager in the repair department and ending his 19 years of employment with Verizon, working from home as a Staff member.

Following his employment with Verizon, Fran was employed for several years as a substitute teacher and tutor for the Adirondack School System, a position which he found most rewarding.

For many years the couple enjoyed their annual trip, traveling to Key West, FL. After he retired, he and Kate spent many winters in Florida, where they enjoyed reading and sunning poolside during the day and making new friends with his KWB “family” at night. During the summers he enjoyed spending time with friends at Kayuta Lake, especially Darlene and Joe who helped him enjoy the fun of jet skiing and going to the Island on the pontoon boat. Fran loved his cars and spent a lot of time washing, waxing and wiping them down daily. He also enjoyed countless hours gardening and working around the outside of his home.

Fran was a 27-year member of the Boonville Lodge of Elks, # 2158, where he was a past Trustee & Secretary of the Lodge.

Surviving Fran, is his wife of 47 years, Kate who will miss him terribly; two brothers, Robert M. and Mary Ficarro, and Thomas G. Ficarro, all of Utica; one brother in law, Douglas (Judy) Hanrahan, California; sister in law, Jessica (Norman) Emrich, Whitesboro, beloved Niece and Godchild, Diane Zalewski and her husband, Adam, North Carolina and special nephew, Robbie Ficarro and his girlfriend, Jasmin, also of North Carolina. Fran spent much time with his nieces and nephews, as they were growing up and starting their own careers and family. Fran leaves behind many other nieces and nephews, Shad (Amie) Hanrahan, Massachusetts, Shawn (Adrenne) Hanrahan, Arizona, Luke (Olivia) Emrich, Whitesboro, Karlie (Nicolaus) Schreppel, Whitesboro, Carey (Sky) Liszynski, New Hartford, Michael & Christopher Turley, Utica and several great nieces and nephews; Hannah Klockowski and Michael Klockowski, Alexa Kay Zalewski, Cameron Zalewski, Asher Zalewski, Coleson Hanrahan, Carter Hanrahan, Ailish Hanrahan, Ireland Hanrahan, Fiona Hanrahan, and Evan Schreppel. He was predeceased by his mom and dad, Alice and Frank R. Ficarro; his mother in law and father in law, Elizabeth S. and George T. Hanrahan; his beloved great Aunts, Emma Beecher and Elizabeth Diamond (Gram) S Falls with whom he spent many of his early years with, spending many summers on vacation at their home. He was also predeceased by a sister and brother in law, Donna (Mike) Turley, Utica and brother in law (infant) Mark Hanrahan.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Matthew Rawson, on Monday, September 30, 2024, at 10:00 A.M., at St. Joseph’s Church, Charles St. Boonville, with entombment of ashes in St. Joseph’s Cemetery Columbarium, also Boonville, will follow. Members of Charles J. Love Post American Legion, Harland J. Hennessey Post V.F.W. and Tun Tavern Marine Corps League will meet in a group on Monday at 10:45 A.M. at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Boonville, to confer Military Rites.

Kate and the family of Fran wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Hospice and Palliative Care of Oneida, Herkimer and Eastern Madison Counties, for the kind and compassionate staff who filled Fran’s last days with comfort and care, especially mentioning with gratitude, Judy F. Wally P. Stephanie, Jorgette, tuck and nighttime nurse, Carey and especially Irene, who worked tirelessly to bring us both through the last leg of this journey; we could not have done it without you. We also extend a note of thanks to beloved home caregiver and special friend, Amy Crill and her husband, Gary, who spent many hours making sure that Fran felt loved and important at a most difficult time. We also extend a further note of thanks and gratitude to Boonville Fire Department Ambulance and especially to Brian and John who came to our rescue several times. All of your kind actions will never be forgotten. In addition, Kate and her family also remember Donna and Rick who provided Fran and Kate with much needed support and Jessica Emrich who put aside her own fears to spend time and give support to Kate.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances in Fran’s name can be made to Boonville Fire Department Ambulance Fund, P.O. Box 164, Boonville, NY 13309, or to Hospice and Palliative Care of Oneida, Herkimer, and Eastern Madison Counties, 4277 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, NY 13413.

Fran’s arrangements are in care of Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. 143 Schuyler St. Boonville, where an on-line message of sympathy, maybe sent to www.trainorfuneralhome.com