Francis R. Urbanski, A Wappingers Falls Resident, Dies at 72

Francis R. Urbanski, 72, of Wappingers Falls, NY, passed from this life at home on Sunday, March 12, 2017 comforted by his loving family. He was born in Rome, NY on October 8, 1944, son of the late Joseph and Katherine (Schlatowski) Urbanski. On August 17, 1968 Frank married Leslie Anne Cloyes, who survives at home.
Frank graduated from Rome Free Academy and RCA Electronic School and served 4 ½ years in the Navy from 1962 to 1967, stationed with the VQ2 Squadron in Rota, Spain. He was a radar installer for GEEIA at Griffiss AFB and an FAA electronics technician at Dutchess County Airport and Stewart Airport and manager at Westchester County Airport. He retired in 2001 with 39 years of government service.
He was quietly social, had a ready smile, and was always happy to share a beer or glass of wine at home or "on the road" with his many friends. Though quiet, acquaintances often found him attending the St. Patrick's Day Parade or volunteering at events such as Community Day.
Frank was a charter member of the Wappingers Falls Elks Lodge #2609, former member of the Arlington Fire Company at Red Oaks Mill, member of the Wappingers Falls Jaycees, Poughkeepsie Polish Club, American Legion and Germania Society and was a friend of the Dutchess County Scottish Society. Frank loved to cruise and he and Leslie travelled the U.S. and the world with family, friends and Adventures for Rascals. In his "spare time" he enjoyed bowling, tennis, golf and Hudson Valley Senior Softball with his buddies.
In addition to his wife, Frank is survived by his sons, Jason and his wife, Maria of Mahopac, NY and Bret and his wife, Cindy of Charlotte, NC; his beloved grandchildren, Mackenzie, Mason, Sophia and Olivia; his sister, Irene and her husband, Roger Panara, Rome, NY; his father-in-law, Gilbert Cloyes, Greensboro, NC; his sisters-in-law, Barbara and her husband, Normand Turcotte, Climax, NC and Yamilée and her husband, Fedérico Zúñiga, San José, Costa Rica. He also leaves 8 wonderful nieces and nephews, 29 great-nieces and great-nephews and 14 great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews.
He was predeceased by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Joseph (Buddy) and Beverly, Leonard and Liz and his nephew, Thomas Urbanski.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 19, 2017 at New Hackensack Reformed Church, 1580, Route 376, Wappingers Falls, NY after which there will be a gathering for family and friends. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family.
Memorial donations in Frank's name may be made to the Salvation Army, 19 Pershing Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601-3404.
Arrangements are under the direction of Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home, 55 East Main Street in Wappingers Falls. To send a personal condolence, please visit our website at www.StraubCatalanoHalvey.com.