Frank Witkowski

Frank F. Witkowski, 88, of 60 Church Street, Saranac Lake, died Sunday, February 15, 2009 at AMC - Uihlein Center in Lake Placid, NY.

Born in Buffalo, New York on April 10, 1920, he was the son of Frank and Antonina (Czelusta) Witkowski. He married Lena Gareau on May 8, 1946 at St. Peter’s Church in Plattsburgh. Lena predeceased him on June 21, 1991. He was a 1972 graduate of Adirondack Community College in Glens Falls.

Mr. Witkowski was a resident of Saranac Lake since 1937 coming to the region to “take the cure” from tuberculosis at Ray Brook State Tuberculosis Hospital. He was one of the longest surviving Thoracic Surgery patients, one doctor identifying him as a walking medical museum. Frank was employed as an Operating Room Nursing Assistant and Nursing Assistant at Ray Brook and the Tupper Lake Tuberculosis Clinic for 32 years. He then worked at Uihlein Mercy Center until his retirement in 1987. After his retirement, Frank provided Home Health Care assistance and transportation for errands and medical appointments to local residents. Frank was a member of St. Bernard's Church and the Knights of Columbus Council 599 for over 45 years. He was a 4th Degree Knight and served as their Financial Secretary for over 25 years. Frank volunteered at the Adirondack Correctional Facility at Ray Brook assisting inmate visitors and was a Duplicate Bridge Club player for many years.

Frank is survived by his daughter, Claudia Fennell of Saranac Lake; his son David and wife Catherine of Plattsburgh, NY, three grandchildren, Melanie of Tumwater, WA; Frank and Christopher of Plattsburgh; two great grandchildren, Solomon and Darian of Tumwater, WA; cousins in Buffalo and California. He was preceded in death by his father, mother and one sister, Mary.

Calling hours will take place at the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home on Wednesday, February 18, from 2 �" 4 PM and 6 �" 8 PM. A Bible Vigil Service will be held at 3:45 PM on Wednesday afternoon. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 12:00 noon on Thursday, February 19 at St. Bernard's Church, with Father Thomas Kornmeyer officiating. Burial will follow at St. Bernard’s Cemetery in Saranac Lake.

Friends wishing to remember Frank may make memorial contributions to AMC - Uihlein, the Saranac Lake Adult Center or the American Lung Association in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home. Family and friends may also share their memories and sign the online guestbook at fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.

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