Obituary of Francis Pendergast
Francis J. (Fran) Pendergast, 97, of Cortland, NY, passed away on February 23, 2019 in Guthrie Cortland Medical Center.
Fran was born on March 9, 1921 in Cortland, NY to Edward and Grace (Rice) Pendergast. He was a valued and loyal employee of Brewer-Titchener Corporation as a Galvanizing Department supervisor for 40+ years.
He is survived by a sister, Marie Hoy of Groton City, NY, sons Gary (Mary) Pendergast of Cortland, NY, and Lawrence (Connie) Pendergast of Sempronius, NY, daughter Donna (Tom) Fralick of Factoryville, PA, nine grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Fran was predeceased by the love of his life, Marion (Glassford) Pendergast, parents Edward and Grace Pendergast, sisters Dena Giamei, Jenny Sherman, Shirley Guernsey, and his little brother Edward Jr.
Fran will always be remembered by those who knew and loved him for his heart and his hands. A man who opened his heart and home to those in need of shelter from the storms of life. A man with hands that were no stranger to hard work, cuddling and comforting the little ones that could always bring a smile to his face, and hands that couldn't resist petting the head of any animal within reach. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved deer hunting well into his 80s, telling stories of his past adventures, and hosting his entire family on Christmas. He had an unrelenting sense of humor, even during his darkest days, a sincere appreciation for a glass of good, clean water, a field of healthy sweet corn, and above all, a love for his family and friends that will live on forever. While his absence on this earth leaves a void in our hearts, we are thankful for the many years we had with him before his Heavenly Father called him home.
A private funeral service will be held at Wright-Beard Funeral Home, with a burial service to follow in the spring. There are no calling hours.
Donations may be made in Fran's memory to the Lupis Foundation of America (Northeast Region), 315 West 36th Street, New York, NY 10018, or the American Cancer Society, 6725 East Avenue, Syracuse, NY 13215