Final Salute

CEC (Ret) Frank C. Currier, of Glenville, NY passed peacefully on Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at the age of 93 years old. He was surrounded by those he loved, both near and far, as he reunited with his beloved wife Dolores M. Currier on the 10th anniversary of her passing. Perhaps he chose this timing, whilst he opened his eyes briefly while holding her photo. She was waiting at heaven’s gate to welcome him home.

Frank was born Francis Clyde on 10/09/1931 in Troy, NY to the late Harry J. and Yvonne B. (née Beausoliel) Currier. He started his education at St. Patrick’s School and continued in the Troy Public Schools till 9th grade. While unable to conform to traditional education, and to the chagrin of his parents, he instead joined the Navy on 4/14/1952. He took this opportunity to legally change his first name to Frank. He attained the rank of Chief Petty Officer (CPO), then went on to become a proud Construction Electrician Chief (CEC) Navy Seabee. His Naval career took him to Guam, the Philippines, Japan, Rhode Island, Taiwan, Michigan, California, Okinawa, Vietnam and Hawaii. It was while stationed at Subic Bay in Olongapo City, Luzon, Philippines in 1955 that he met the love of his life at Clark AFB. They married on May 28, 1957, in Yokohama, Japan. Dolores had boarded a steam liner for the 1800-mile trek, not sure if he would actually be at the dock upon her arrival. Together they enjoyed 58 years of marriage. He never really talked about his time in Vietnam, having served 3 tours between 1966 to 1972.

Frank retired from active duty on July 14, 1974, where upon they returned to the Capital Region of New York. He continued his passion of being a Master Electrician for the Times Union/Knickerbocker newspaper, part of the Hearst Corporation. However, that only lasted about 15 years before retiring for the second time. He and Dolores got tired of the cold Northeast winters, and exchanged it for 20 years of tropical life in the Philippines. However, they missed seeing their granddaughter growing up. They would return to New York in 2009 to live with their daughter Debra (late William) and granddaughter, Kaitlin, where Frank remained until his passing.

He and Dolores were elated when they adopted their daughter Hope, while Frank was stationed in Taiwan. When his granddaughter came along, he took great pride in supporting her in her various endeavors and achievements. Be it academic, personal or just for fun! He was especially proud to live long enough to witness her receiving her Master’s degree in 2022. A goal he set for himself!

He was a simple man with a big sailor heart. He had a hard time expressing himself, instead his love language was in his giving…be it his time, knowledge or a few bucks. He would do anything for family. We’d often joke that his long life was attributed to better living through chemistry, also known as medications and beer. His favorite being San Miguel. Famous Lunch hot dogs was a preferred cuisine. He was forever a tinkerer. Always taking things apart and figuring out how they worked. There were always projects to be done; tools of every kind around each corner; things to explore. He was an electrician till the end, rewiring a lamp earlier this year. In his later years, he’d enjoyed doing Sudoku and towards the end jigsaw puzzles, when his dexterity started failing him. He completed his last puzzle just days before his passing. Up until early this year, he would enjoy chatting with the people at the local American Legion Posts. During his navy career, he enjoyed playing in baseball and bowling leagues. You could also find him and Dolores gathering with their fellow navy pals playing cards, especially Pinochle. His various sleep caps were a source of conversations in his last months. He was always dapper in his various caps/hats of the season. In his last months, he had a spiritual awakening, reconnecting with his Catholic faith. When he entered the Navy, he gave his mother a miraculous medal. When his mom passed in 1963, he then placed it on himself. It remained there until his last 3 months, when he wore a scapular, which never left his body. This eased his mind. In his final hour, he felt the peace of God, after receiving the Anointing of the Sick.

Frank is predeceased by his son-in-law William M, Ryan. Also, his brother and sister and their spouses . Gerald & Barbara Currier, Patricia & Victor Angrisano, Paul Castiglione, Jerry Blanch, Leon Mecina, Cleofe & Francisco Puertullano, Mateo & Carmen Mecina, Ruperto & Andrea Mecina, Arturo Mecina, Leonilo & Victoria Mecina, and several nieces and nephews.

He’s survived by his daughter Debra “Hope” Ryan and granddaughter Kaitlin “Kaiti” Ryan (Matthew Scolaro). Sisters Jeannette Castiglione and Sharon Blanch. Along with numerous nieces and nephews both in the US and Philippines.

Even in death, Frank will continue to help others, like burn victims, through his tissue donation.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) at dav.org. Click on the “Donate” header and then scroll down to the box that says, “Honorary & Memorial Gifts”. This ensures that its being donated in Frank C. Currier name.

Services have been entrusted to White Funeral Home, 264 N. Ballston Ave (Rt 50), Scotia, NY on Sunday, June 29, 2025. Family & friends are welcome to join starting at 1PM, starting with the Remembrance service and military honors. People are invited to say a few words at that time. Immediately concluding the formal ceremony, visitations will continue till 4PM. Frank and Dolores plan to be interred together later this summer in the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville, NY.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Frank , please visit our floral store.