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- When Frank R. Church retired from the Oswego County Legislature he told a gathering of well-wishers and colleagues, with his characteristic and endless optimism, that he looked at life as a series of adventures: the fun adventure of childhood, his experiences in World War II, the loving adventure of marriage and raising a family, the challenging and fulfilling exploits of public service, and then the rewarding activities of retirement. Frank embarked on what he considered his next adventure Thursday morning as he went home to be with the Lord. He is remembered by his family with love and pride as a loving and dedicated husband, father, brother and patriarch, and by his friends and colleagues as a man of rare dignity and honor. Frank was born in Syracuse on March 6, 1921 to Frank and Yula (Smith) Church. He graduated from Oswego High School and the Rochester Business School. He spent most of his professional career working in specialty advertising sales for local and national companies, including Interstate of Syracuse and the Vernon Company of Newton, Iowa. During World War II Frank Church answered his country's call and volunteered for service on the Fourth of July, 1942. As a top-turret gunner in a B-24 "Liberator" bomber, Technical Sergeant Frank Church flew 55 combat and covert missions over Europe with the US Army 8th Air Force's secret 36th Bomb Squadron. He was awarded the Air Medal with five oak leaf clusters, battle stars for Normandy, Northern Europe, and the Rhineland, and a presidential unit citation. His sense of patriotism was strong. As late as his mid 70s, Frank walked a large hill near his home every morning and evening to raise and lower the American flag at the Jeheil Stone Veterans' Memorial Park. Frank was a fifth-generation Scriba resident whose ancestors moved to the area before the War of 1812. Frank moved his family to Scriba in 1945 to the homestead his great-grandfather purchased in 1846. Over the past three decades, he devoted his time to public service in government, church, and community organizations. Frank entered public service in 1974, serving four years as Town Clerk of Scriba and 12 years as Scriba Town Supervisor. In 1984, he was elected County Legislator for Scriba, which later became District 14. He was re-elected continuously until his retirement in 2001. In 1994 and 1995, he was elected Chairman of the Oswego County Legislature. Improving the quality of life and government for the people of Scriba, Oswego and Oswego County was Frank's passion. During his tenure as Town Supervisor, he spearheaded the expansion of the town recreation program to include Sunset Bay Town Park, the Scriba Recreation Center, and the Jeheil Stone Veterans' Memorial Park. As Legislature Chairman, he initiated the Goals 2000+ Task Force to begin examining ways to improve county government. In 1993, he was instrumental in developing the successful redistricting plan that gave all county residents equal representation. His devotion to his community was not limited to government service. Frank was a member and leader in many organizations and boards. At the time of his passing, he was the chairman of the Oswego County Board of Health and a member of the Community Services Board, the Behavioral Health Care Providers and Mental Health subcommittees, Oswego County Board of Ethics, and Oswego County Tourism Advisory Council. He served on the Oswego County Opportunities board, Underground Railroad Freedom Trail Commission, Law Library Board, and Friends of Oswego County Hospice. He was the past chairman of the Town of Scriba Republican Committee and past president of the Scriba Hillside Cemetery Association and the Oswego County Heritage Foundation. He was a member of the Oswego Maritime Foundation, H. Lee White Marine Museum, and the Oswego County Historical Society. He was active in the Retired Senior Volunteers Program, and delivered free meals to elderly people throughout the county. He was a member and past master of Masonic Lodge No. 341 of Clyde, NY. Frank was a devout servant to his church and God. As a member of the West Baptist Church of Oswego for over 60 years, he served in several volunteer capacities including the Deaconate Board and Board of Trustees. Frank is survived by his wife of 56 years, Norma; his daughter, Lorinda Rogers of Oswego; his three sons, James (Barbara) Church of Centerville, VA, David (Lori) Church of Sarasota, FL, and Philip Church of Oswego. He has five grandchildren: Kristin Kosco (Kenneth) of Florida, Barbara Minor, Alexia Church and Elisabeth Church of Virginia, and Brian Church of Sarasota, FL. And one great-granddaughter, Penelope Minor of VA. He is also survived by his sister, Barbara Holthouse of Pulaski; two nephews, one niece, four great-nephews and three great-nieces. A Celebration of Life will be held 3 p.m. Sunday at the West Baptist Church. Calling hours will be held 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Nelson Funeral Home, 11 W. Albany St., Oswego. Memorial donations may be made to the West Baptist Church Organ Fund, 39 West Mohawk Street, Oswego, NY 13126.
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1921 - 2007 (85 years)