In Memory of Francis B. Huegen, Sr.

Obituary

Francis B. Huegen, Sr. “Frank” 93, of Utica, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at the Wynn Hospital with his loving family by his side.

He was born on December 21, 1930, in Clark Mills; the son of the late Theodore and Maria Hasselman Huegen, who immigrated from Germany. Frank was the youngest of his late five siblings: Agnes (Mahoney), Maria (Bauer), Greta (Kelsey), Henry “Heinz” and Tao who passed during WWII in Germany. Because Frank was the baby of the family, he shared a very special relationship with his mother. During his younger years, he worked on a farm in Holland Patent (owned by the Brescia family) and went to school locally. He later joined the United States Air Force and was an aerial photographer during the Korean War. While stationed at Brooks Air Force Base, San Antonio, TX he met the love of his life, Maria del Carmen Ugarte “Carmen”. They were joined in marriage on August 15, 1952, in San Antonio, TX. Frank had a loving relationship with his in-laws, the late Amelia & Francisco Ugarte. He was always grateful to his father-in-law for teaching him the skills to operate a crane and other heavy construction equipment. Frank and his wife Carmen later moved and made their home in Utica raising their five children. Frank worked as a crane operator for many years for Husted Construction and other construction companies throughout the area; later retiring from Eastern Rock in Oriskany Falls.

Frank was a member of St. Joseph St. Patrick Church in Utica. He was also a member of the Whitestown American Legion, Post #1113, the former Whitestown Vets Club and the Oneida County 40 & 8. He and his wife enjoyed spending time together and formed many friendships with legion members. Frank was a humble, kind man, very well-liked, had a great sense of humor and loved telling jokes. Frank always enjoyed tipping back a few Utica Clubs “UC” with family and friends. Frank taught himself how to play guitar and banjo in his early 30’s and became a talented left-handed banjo player. He and his brother Heinz formed a country western band called the Buckskins. Family and friends always enjoyed listening to them, especially when Frank pulled out his banjo. His love for country music has had a great influence on his children and grandchildren, so much so that it’s their first music of choice. The best of times was spent listening to Johnny Cash, Alan Jackson & other country artist tunes with him. Later in life, with encouragement from his son-in- law, Eddie, he took up the game of golf and loved every opportunity to play. He took great pride in hitting a “hole in one” at a local golf course. His family was so proud and impressed with his computer skills and how he enjoyed being on Facebook for his age. Frank had a passion for watching car racing with his son, Jr. He was thrilled when he had the opportunity to attend the Daytona 500 with him. He was an avid Dale Earnhardt fan. He loved doing his crossword puzzles, watching Wheel of fortune, the New York Yankees, his westerns, especially Gunsmoke; and always looked forward to his dessert after dinner.

Frank had a special relationship with all his children and their families. He was always there to lend a helping hand, there wasn’t anything he couldn’t fix or do; to his children he was their “superman.” Nothing brought him more joy than when the whole family got together. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather; loved the title of being called “Opa”. Through the years he also picked up some nicknames, “crooked hat”, “box car willy” and lastly “Big Daddy”. He will be deeply missed by all.

Frank lost his beloved wife, Carmen on May 20, 2024. Frank and Carmen were blessed to share 71 years of marriage, a true love story. One of their favorite songs was “Through the Years” by Kenny Rogers. Their children and grandchildren feel fortunate to have witnessed their true love & their expression of love and affection for each other.

He is survived by his children Linda Doyle of Utica, Francis Huegen, Jr and wife Carol of Deerfield, Margaret “Peggy” Clipston and husband Scott of Cazenovia, Rosemary Morton and husband Robert of New Hartford and Teresa Montana and husband David of Utica; his grandchildren Misty (Robert) Narracci, Daniel Doyle, Erika (Joseph) Taurisani, Jenna (Brad) Rossi, Robbie Morton (fiancé Katie Moth), Emily (Michael) Barros, and Amelia Montana; also great grandchildren Aubrie and Joseph Taurisani, Max Doyle, Carmen and Stevie Rossi and Luke Morton. Frank came from a large family and is survived by several special nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Maria del Carmen, their infant son Robert Carl, his son-in-law Edward “Eddie” Doyle, most recently his nephew Richard “Dickie” Mahoney and his neighbor, the late Michael Schreck who always took the time to help and look out for Frank.

The family would like to offer a special thank you to Dr. Michael Kelberman, MV Nephrology Associates, Randy Czternastek, NP, the staff at Landmark, Acacia Home Care, Sitrin Health Care and the Wynn hospital for all the care and compassion given to Frank. The family would also like to offer a special thank you to Luke Dziadyk “Luko” for his friendship and the joy he brought Frank with his many visits.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, September 15, from 4-6 at the Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, 13 Oxford Rd. New Hartford, NY 13413. The funeral will be on Monday, September 16, at 10:00 am at St. Joseph St. Patrick Church in Utica, where a Funeral Mass will be celebrated. Interment will be in Kirkland Cemetery where Frank and Carmen will be laid to rest.

In lieu of flowers, please consider Feed Our Vets, 502 Broad Street, Utica, NY 13501

For online expressions of sympathy go to fwefh.com.