FULTON, NY – Francis C. Gantley, 83, of Fulton, passed on Monday September 12, 2016.
He was born July 8, 1933, to the late Francis and Mary Gantley of Fulton.
Mr. Gantley was a graduate of Fulton High School where he played football and was a NYS All Star.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving in the Korean War.
He was a lifetime member of the VFW and American Legion Post 587 of Fulton.
He attended Syracuse University and became a process engineer for General Electric for 35 years during which he developed 14 U.S. patents.
He also owned and operated Black Creek Lumber with his nephew, Dennis Gantley, for many years.
Francis was a competitive body builder, a lifeguard for the city of Fulton at Sharps Pond, a black belt in Judo and taught Judo at the YMCA.
He was a scuba diver for the local fire departments where he performed search and recovery.
He was one of the first divers in the northeast to own a scuba breathing device which allowed him to stay under water for longer periods of time.
Francis was also member of the Fulton Sky Diving Club.
Francis was a local landlord for more than 40 years and was a member of the Landlord Association of Fulton.
He was the president of the Ancient Order of the Hibernians, a member of the Fulton Polish Home and a member of the Holy Trinity Parish.
Francis, like all men, faced many problems in his life and for each he had a solution.
Mr. Gantley was predeceased by his beloved son, Francis C. Jr.; his sister, Eileen Goins; and his brother, Everett Gantley.
He is survived by his wife, Suzanne M. Wade Gantley; his daughters, Debra Phenicie of Florida, Cathy Crisafulli and Kelly (Kevin) Moody of Fulton; his step-children, Michael (Lynda) Wade of Camillus, Mindy (Norm) Wade of Rochester and Jake (Sara) Wade of Philadelphia; 10 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. He is also survived by Dominic (Jima) Maithiang, one of the Lost Boys of Sudan, of Syracuse.
A calling hour will be held Monday, September 19, from 9 to 10 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 309 Buffalo St., Fulton.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to “The Lost Boys of Sudan,” c/o Dominic Dut, 1310 Park St., Apt. B18, Syracuse, NY 13208, in honor of Francis Gantley.
Foster Funeral Home, Inc.
www.fosterfuneralhome.com
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Kelly and family Chuck k and I are so sorry for your loss. Our hearts are with you at this hard time.
Charles and Audrey Avery.
I am saddened for your loss. He was a hero and I thank him for our freedom. He raised lovely daughters. He is in heaven with those he has lost and is not in any pain now. Life will be different but rest assured that he will ALWAYS be with all of you!! XO
Love, Ronnie & Fl?
Dearest Kelly and family. What a legacy this wonderful man left. So amazing! My deepest heartfelt sympathy for your tremendous loss. I pray for the gentle comfort of our Lord Jesus to consume you and see you through this time of sorrow. Love Dick and Cindy Howell
So sorry for your loss and you are all in my thoughts at this time of sorrow. Fran was a special man and pleasure to be associated with. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and may God give you all peace and grace.
So sorry for your loss.
Francis was a great friend of mine and many others back in the 60s I took judo from him back then. He will be missed.