Francis Casier

Francis David Casier died peacefully on August 7th, 2016 surrounded by his family. He was 97 years old.

Francis, better known as Frank, was born on Friday December 13th, 1918 in Lyon Mountain New York. Son of Jerome Casier and Lula King Casier.

After graduating from high school in 1936 Frank went to work in road construction. In 1938, he was able to attend the U.S. government trade school in Malone and a year later he went to welding school in Hartford Connecticut. After that he was able to get work at shipyards in New York and New Jersey. In 1941 Frank was diagnosed with tuberculosis and needed to move to a sanatorium in Ray Brook where he was fortunate enough to be cured by 1943.

Frank was unable to enlist in any of the armed services during WWII because of the spot on his lung left from TB and served instead in the Merchant Marine. Frank criss-crossed the world several times serving in the South Pacific, the Indian Ocean, the Mediterranean, the North Atlantic and the Persian Gulf. In 1945 suffered a recurrence of TB and contracted malaria. He was sent home and ended up in Ray Brook once again. While he was there he bid on properties that were up for tax sale in Saranac Lake and ended up with his first real estate investments.

The tax sale purchases led to a series of purchases, rehabilitations and sales. That in turn led to selling appliances out a garage with a friend and in 1949 Casier Utilities Inc was incorporated, a business he would keep for 25 years.

At age 32, Frank met Audrey Delaney on a Memorial Day weekend. They dated for two years and married in 1950. Audrey became not only his wife but working partner in his businesses. In 1959 their son David was born and it was not long before you would find the whole family on one of his many land projects that he nurtured the rest of his life.

Eventually Frank retired from the retail business although the furniture and appliances store he ran still bears his name today in town. He would then move on to his previous love, property development. He continued to own and renovate properties in Saranac Lake and Florida including the 5th St. Gym in Miami, the Alpine Hotel and many houses and commercial buildings in Saranac Lake. He also created the Fish Creek Park, Rockledge Park, Lake Flower Park, Saranac Sites, Mt. Pisgah Park and Cliff Park subdivisions.

Feeling indebted to Saranac Lake for helping him become healthy again after the war, Frank involved himself in many civic activities such as the Lion’s Club and along with other community members helped form the Chamber of Commerce, North Country Community College and eventually served on the Board. He also supported many human rights organizations and locally was deeply involved with the “Save Our Homes Committee” “The Adirondack Defense League” and a Civil Rights newspaper “The Adirondack Defender”.

By the early 70s Frank had accomplished his financial goal having multiple successful businesses, land, equipment, and stock. Wanting to feed his interest in the humanities Frank enrolled in the MEC program at Barry University in Miami Florida where he graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1981. He was also elected to Who’s Who in American Universities and Colleges. In 2007 he was “Citizen of the Year” in Saranac Lake an honor he was very proud of. He continued to have an active and watchful eye on his life’s-work right up to his death.

He leaves his wife of 65 years, Audrey, his son David, his wife Linda and their daughter Cara, his sister Dr. Esther Casier Quinn and several nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his sister Bernice Casier and his brother-in-law Vincent Quinn. Frank also leaves behind a legacy of hard work, hope and compassion to help others in need. His philanthropy and love for the community he served paired with his “I will not quit!” attitude made his incredibly long and fruitful life one that will not be forgotten.

The family sincerely thanks Dr. David Johnson and many others who provided care and compassion for Frank and his family over the past several weeks. Their guidance and support was invaluable and our appreciation goes beyond words.

There will be no visiting hours and interment will be at the convenience of the family.