Francis M. Hosier

My “laughing Irishman”, the love of my life, who never met a stranger, who spread joy wherever he went, who delighted in doing for others, who could sell snowballs in Alaska, and who would find what anyone professed an interest in, from a car or a truck to an apartment house, and everything in between, was called home to heaven on Wednesday, November 29, 2017, to help our Lord spread joy in Heaven. He will be sadly missed by his family and many friends. However, there is much joy among his relatives and friends he has joined in Heaven with God. Fran’s was a life well lived, and he “did it his way!”

He was the son of Marvin and Nellie (Davis) Hosier, and grew up on the family farm in New Kingston, NY with his brother John and Bill, all four of whom predeceased him. He was also predeceased by one step-grandchild and one great grandchild. Born industrious, he grudgingly attended Margaretville School when he really just wanted to work on the farm with is dad. By the time he was 15, he was working for another farmer in the valley as well, and before he graduated, was working for Fairbairn Lumber. After graduation in 1955, he worked for Hillson Brothers in Bovina Center, and still lived and worked on his family’s farm until 1958. Then he worked for Matthew Brothers in Delhi, moving there, and becoming a proud member of the Teamsters Union.

In 1960, he married Margaret Wood Nissan, formally adopting his son Daniel Nissan Hosier, later joined by their son, Brian Patrick Hosier. The marriage ended in 1971, and he then married Barbara (Braun) Barton gaining step-daughters Sherry and Corinne Barton and step-son Stephen Barton all of whom he loved and treated as his own children.

He went to work for United Parcel Service in late 1968 working there until October 1988, when he earned early 30 year retirement with the Teamsters Union. He proudly served as a Union Steward for many of his years at UPS. His freight work with Matthew Brothers and his driver/delivery work with UPS covered much of the same territory, and he became good friends with many of his customers.

During the 1970’s, Fran and Barb purchased 2 apartment houses, and for the next 15 years Fran took care of the maintenance work at then until their sale in 1990. During the winters he would rise early enough to plow out 10 neighbors, gratis, as well as their own driveway, and do them all again upon returning from work. When Barb’s father became ill, Fran and Barb spent many hours helping her parents at their home in Schenevus. Fran was also a proud member of the National Rifle Association, enjoyed hunting for many years, and collecting guns.

He went to work for himself in 1988 in construction of roads, ponds, etc. developing a good business, which he maintained until health issues forced him to permanently retire in 2014. Following his wife’s retirement in June 1990, they traveled extensively for 6 months of each year, spending summers at home, for 20 years until the summer of 2010.

Fran spent many happy hours clearing and carving out a beautiful area on the farm he and Barb bought in the late 1970’s, including 3 ponds, a large storage barn, pavilion, outhouse, an RV barn with additions and a garage, where they lived following the sale of their home on Southside Drive in 1991. They converted the RV barn into a lovely home when they stopped travelling. His brother Bill and nephew Jeff, both master carpenters, were the main builders and Fran did the extensive roadwork, lawns and ponds, and planted beautiful trees, shrubs, and flowers. He lovingly tended to the roads and grounds until illness forced him to stop during summer, 2014, following which their son, Brian Hosier and Steve Rathbone have helped immensely to maintain. Pam Marble has also helped maintain inside the home. Both Fran and Barb are eternally grateful to all three for their valuable work.

In addition to his loving wife, Barb, of 46 years; and children, Dan, Brian, Sherry, Steve, and Connie; Fran is survived by 16 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; sons-in-law Doug Pederson, Doug Lull, and Jim Hanford; daughters-in-law, Julie Barton, Doreen Hosier, and Eileen Hanford; sisters-in-law, Linda Hosier, and Nancy Hosier; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews; plus several close friends. In addition, there are several of their friend’s children they have loved like their own grandchildren. He loved all of them, and all will miss him. He will not be absent from any of our hearts.

Friends are invited to greet the family on Friday, December 8, 2017 from 4 to 6 and 7 to 9 pm at the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, 14 Grand Street, Oneonta. A service to celebrate Fran’s life will be held on Saturday, December 9, 2017 at 11 am also at the funeral home, with Shirley Davis officiating.

Following the service, a get together with dinner will be held at Stella Luna, 58 Market Street, Oneonta, until 3:30 pm for all attendees.

Interment will take place at a later date in Sanford Cemetery, New Kingston, at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to The American Heart Association, 120 Lamond Court, Utica, NY 13500; Heart of the Catskills Humane Society, PO Box 88, Delhi, NY 13753; or the Susquehanna Animal Shelter, 4841 State Highway 28, Cooperstown, NY 13326.

Condolences to Fran's family may be made online at www.grummonsfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are by the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, Oneonta.