GUILDERLAND – Francis J. Welnhofer, 101, passed away on Friday, December 4, 2020 at his home. Francis was born in Albany, the son of the late Francis J. and Elizabeth Kahlert Welnhofer. He served in the Army during World War II, having described his contribution many times as having served in the “fighting ordinance,” since his job had been to keep the weaponry in working order. Frank was employed for over 30 years by the General Electric Co. in Schenectady.
Frank had a great sense of humor and attributed his amazing longevity to “good luck” and a beer a day – which he made sure to enjoy right up to the end! One of Frank’s best memories, which he continued to enjoy through pictures, was the time he spent up at Saranac Lake, on Burnt Island, where he and his family enjoyed a camp for many years. He had been most in his element there and really loved being so close to the land.
Frank spent his later years continuing to keep up with current affairs, really enjoying partaking in a good conversation about them whenever he could. A conversation regularly started with “I was reading about…” He read a number of publications faithfully, front to back, enjoying Time, and Smithsonian, the daily newspapers and many other regular favorites, every day. Having grown up in Guilderland, he really enjoyed reading the Altamont Enterprise and keeping up with what was going on in the Town.
Frank and Ginny, married on January 2, 1960, greatly enjoyed touring the U.S. during their retirement. They were fortunate to have had many opportunities, through a group of army friends of Frank’s from his time in the service, to visit many different areas of the country. Each member of the group would take turns hosting a summer get-together and they went to great lengths to share the best parts of their location with their visitors. Frank and Ginny had a great time on these visits and took their duties very seriously when it was their turn to show off the Capital District.
Football was another great love and Frank made sure everyone knew that Sunday afternoons he would not be available, particularly when the Buffalo Bills or the NY Giants were on. He was sure to scan the schedule each week to be sure a game was never missed!
Frank really enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren during his retirement and he remained close to them through regular conversations, visits, and (more recently) zoom calls. He always lit up when they were in contact and he really looked forward to the frequent contact.
Frank was predeceased by his beloved wife Virginia A. Welnhofer in 2016. He is survived by his children Judi (Ron) Frey and David (Sharon) Welnhofer; his grandchildren David (Sarri), Steven, and Emily Frey, and Nathan, Alex and Lila Welnhofer. He is also survived by his great-granddaughters, Aurora, Astra and Viola, as well as his well-loved McCann nieces and nephews. Frank was also predeceased by his sister Bettie (Welnhofer) McCann and brother in law Paul McCann.
Funeral services will be held privately at the convenience of the family. Interment will be in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, Colonie. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hans Funeral Home, Albany. To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
Allen Halstead
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Dave & Judi, your families and all who knew your Dad.
Allen & Ann Halstead
Jean (Kahlert) Abatto
12/11/20
Judi and Dave,
I remember your father well. Although we lost touch after my brother Ed passed away, I have fond memories of your dad from years gone by.
He and your grandfather used to spend some Thanksgivings with my family at our house on McCarty Avenue. My dad, brother and Junie, as we used to call him, often hunted and fished together. And the three of them would make the trip twice a year to open and close “the camp”. I never went along so I’m not sure if it was at Saranac or Schroon Lake.
Mostly, I remember your Dad, and later your Mom as easy people to be with, very hospitable and both having a great sense of humor.
Frank surely led a long and happy life. May he rest now in the arms of God and Virginia in heaven.
My sympathy to you and Dave.
Jean (Kahlert) Abatto
Matt Quatraro
We are so sorry to hear of Frank’s passing. He was such a wonderful neighbor and friend. We always appreciated his sense of humor. He was always so helpful with anything we needed. He and Ginny were so welcoming and kind when we moved to the neighborhood. He was such an inspiring person in so many ways. He will be missed!
In sympathy,
Matt and Chris Quatraro (Rosemont St.)