BALLSTON LAKE Frank R. Elkins, 98, of Blue Spruce Lane passed away in his sleep Tuesday, December 29, 2020. He was born and raised in Holyoke, Massachusetts but lived most of his life in New York, which he loved dearly. He was the husband of the late Dorothy Ronessi who died in 1991.
He was a High Honor Graduate of Holyoke High School Class of 1940 and Syracuse University, Class of 1950 from which he received his Bachelor Degree in Business Administration.
Frank retired from the Watervliet Arsenal as a Management Analyst in the Management Review and Analysis Division in 1984 after 26 years of service. He was a veteran of the US Army Airforce and served in World War II in the India-Burma Theater and was discharged as a Lieutenant.
He was a Past President of the Troy Area Chapter 3991 of the AARP and the Waterford Lions Club. He was a Life Member of the Sight Conservation Society of Northeastern New York and a Knight of the Blind, an honorary title bestowed by the Lion's International Foundation upon members who donated prescribed financial amounts to meet Helen Keller's challenge at the Lion's International Convention in 1925 to be "Knights of the Blind" in an ongoing crusade against darkness. He was a member of the Clifton Park Lodge of Elks #2466, the Waterford American Legion, Charles J. Brady Post, the Halfmoon American Legion, the Polish American Club of Rensselaer County, the Country Knolls Civic Association, the International Graphic Analysis Society, and Troy Chapter of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees. Frank was a founding member of the Troy AARP Bocce Club and played well into his 90's. In 2003, he was honored with the Community Service Award by the Troy AARP.
He was a former Director at Watervliet Arsenal Federal Credit Union and a member of the Federal Manager’s Association and the 20 Year Club.
Frank was predeceased by four sisters and two brothers. He is survived by his sister, Helen Swinicki of Holyoke, Massachusetts, and his niece, Mary Ann Pekalski of Ballston Lake as well as several other nieces and nephews.
Frank will be remembered for his terrific sense of humor and his joie de vivre.
A Memorial Mass will be offered at a time and date to be announced at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, Waterford.
Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Xavier Society for the Blind, 248 W 35th St. #1502, New York, NY 10001.