Franklin L. Hyatt

Franklin L. Hyatt of Ellenville, NY, passed away peacefully at home on February 20, 2013; he was 91. The son of the late Frank and Gussie Hyatt, he was born on November 22, 1921 in Ellenville.

Frank was retired from the New York Telephone Co. and remained actively involved in the Telephone Pioneers of America, serving in many capacities including President of the Mid-State Empire Chapter. As a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army, he served in World War II in the 68th Signal Corp. in the South Pacific Theatre from 1942 to 1945.

He was a Trustee, Lay Leader, and past Sunday School Superintendent of the Ellenville United Methodist Church, and a life member of the Scoresby Hose Fire Company. Frank was the last of the founding members and former president of the Ellenville First Aid & Rescue Squad, as well as an Emergency Medical Tech Instructor at Ulster County BOCES. He was an avid golfer and past President of the Shawangunk Country Club, and worked with the Food Bank of Hudson Valley for many years.

He married Ethel Andrews Hyatt on Valentine’s Day, 1942, and enjoyed 68 wonderful loving years with her until she passed on December 13, 2010.

Frank was the devoted father of Mary Fran Sheppard, and her husband, Robert of Stamford, NY; Sue Harris and her husband, Bill; Peggy Smith and her husband, Russ; and Jim Hyatt and his fiancée, Tammy Cathcart, of Ellenville. He had eight grandchildren: Kimberly Sheppard, Sam Sheppard, Michael Harris, Stacey Brush, Russell Smith, Jr., Matthew Smith, Andrew Hyatt, and Tyler Hyatt; and six great grandchildren: Georgia and Jake Sheppard-McKay, Jimmy and Billy Brush, and Mollie and Kate Harris, and many nieces and nephews. One son, Franklin David Hyatt, and one brother, Donald J. Hyatt, predeceased him.

Frank was a real people person who traveled extensively and touched many lives. He was a friend to all who knew him, and will be deeply missed.

Memorial contributions in Frank’s name may be sent to the Ellenville First Aid & Rescue Squad, Webster Ave., Ellenville, NY, 12428, or the Ellenville United Methodist Church, 83 Canal St., Ellenville, NY, 12428.

Visitation will be on Monday, February 25th from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Loucks Funeral Home, 79 North Main St., Ellenville, NY, 12428. A Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, February 26th at 11 a.m. at the Funeral Home with Rev. Larry Powell officiating. Interment will follow at Fantinekill Cemetery.

Arrangements were under the direction of Loucks Funeral Home, for further information please call 845-647-4343 or visit www.loucksfh.com.