Francis M. Tuthill

Francis met the love of his life, Dorothy Racette, at the 15th of Redford Picnic in August 1953. They were married shortly thereafter on Jan. 9, 1954. They moved to Bloomingdale and started a family with the birth of Doris (Donald) Hamm, followed by Bryon (Amy). Soon Kevin joined the family, followed by identical twin boys Dean (Philinda) and Dale (Paula). It wasn’t long before Dianne (Larry) Delong entered the world, and then, rounding out their beautiful family, Randy (Casey) was born. All of his children and their spouses survive him. He is survived by grandchildren Jennifer, Darrell, Bryon, Krista, Erin, Danielle, Michael, Chaos, Karyssa, Justin, Hannah, Dylan, Cassidy and Evan. He is also survived by great-grandchildren Trent, Eliza, Andrew, Matthew, Eva, David, Leighland, Wilder, Beckett, Olivia and one expected in June. He leaves behind several nieces and nephews. Francis is also survived by a sister-in-law, Patricia Tuthill, and a brother-in-law, August Simpson, as well as his special companion Joan Branch.

Francis was predeceased by his wife Dorothy in 1995, a granddaughter, Brittany, in 1987 and a grandson, Danny, in 2008. He is also predeceased by his brothers Bernard, Leland, Raymond and Herman, and his sisters Marie, Rosella, Theresa and Ilean.

Francis worked for LaPan Oil Co. in Saranac Lake for many years, delivering fuel oil and servicing furnaces in the surrounding community. He was a talented furnace technician and attended schooling and training seminars to advance his knowledge. He worked for various fuel companies, retiring from Agway in 1985. Along with his wife, in 1985 they opened the River Road Bait and Tackle shop in Bloomingdale, operating that small-town business until 2018.

Francis was actively involved in his community. He served on the Bloomingdale Volunteer Fire Department for many years and was a member of the Bloomingdale Youth Commission. Francis was passionate about his little town in the mountains and decided to take part in politics to make Bloomingdale the best place to live and raise a family. Throughout his adult life he held many roles, serving as mayor of Bloomingdale for many years and then later serving as a councilman for the town of St. Armand in many capacities, including deputy supervisor. He was a devoted member of the Essex County Republican Committee. He worked for several years for the Saranac Lake Adult Center, where he drove the bus shuttling seniors to and from the center for daily meals, as well as to various events and field trips. He served on the Saranac Lake Adult Center board, was an active member in the Elks Club for many years, and served on the board of Senior Citizens Overlook in Bloomingdale.

At Francis’ request, funeral services will be private and at the convenience of his family. Interment will take place at a later date. In memory of Francis, donations can be made to the Bloomingdale Volunteer Fire Department through the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home.