Francis E. Karl

Born in Albany on Dec. 9, 1931, he was the son of Earl and Anna (DeGroat) Karl. Frank married Barbara Hauber on Oct. 13, 1956 at Our Lady of Victory Church in Sayreville, New Jersey.

He graduated from Hudson Valley Community College following his honorable discharge from the Air Force. Retired after 35 years working for AT&T. Karl earned his master’s degree from Empire State College in labor studies. He was president of CWA union Local 1151 for 34 years. Built his dream home in the Adirondacks where he was a resident of Onchiota for 21 years. Soon after, served two terms as supervisor in town of Franklin. For many years, he immersed himself in veterans’ affairs and was particularly passionate about tax exemptions and benefits due veterans. He was influential in the establishment of the new VA Clinic in Saranac Lake.

He was a veteran of the United States Air Force, serving during the Korean War from 1950 to 1954. He was a lifetime member of the Saranac Lake Veteran’s Memorial Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 3357, and the American Legion Post No. 447.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years Barbara Karl of Onchiota; four sons: Francis “Biff” Karl and his wife Diana of Henderson, Nevada, Michael Karl of Altamont, Matthew Karl and his wife Kris of Duanesburg and Patrick Karl of Bradenton, Florida; one daughter, Bobbie Hlat and her husband Joseph of Scotia; one brother Edward “Skip/Sunny” Karl and his wife Jean of Bridgeport; one sister, Patricia Sleasman and her husband Jack of Albany; 10 grandchildren: Matthew, Megan, Lauren, Joe, Dave, Nick, Michelle, Kirsten, Max and Sammy; one great-grandchild, Charlie; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, mother, one brother Donald Karl and three sisters: Dolores, Mary and Marge.

A simple thanks could not express our gratitude to brother-in-law, Jim “Sir Jim,” and his wife Nancy, for all the help and support through the years.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake. There will be no calling hours. A Mass of Christian burial will take place at noon Saturday, Nov. 29 at the Church of the Assumption in Gabriels with the Rev. Tom Higman officiating. Internment will take place at the convenience of the family.

Friends wishing to remember Frank Karl may make memorial contributions to High Peaks Hospice or Homeward Bound Adirondacks in care of the funeral home. Family and friends can also share their memories and sign the online guestbook at fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.