Skip to main content

The Moose: 101.3 FM, 99.3 FM ● The Blizzard: 105.9 FM, 103.9 FM, 98.3 FM ● Payment

Francis E. Hanretty

Published on January 31, 2024

Forestport – Francis E. Hanretty, 94, passed away on Monday, January 29, 2024 at the Abraham House, Rome, following a long battle with cancer.

Affectionately known as Frank, he was born in Frankfort, NY, on July 21, 1929, a son of John and Hannah O’Mahoney Hanretty. Frank grew up in Utica where he received his education.

Frank entered the US Marine Corps on July 24, 1946 and served in North China with the “China Marines” until his honorable discharge on February 16, 1948. On June 8, 1950 Frank re-enlisted with the USMC serving in Korea until his honorable discharge on June 7, 1954 as Staff Sergeant. He was a talented writer and had his war stories published in the Scuttlebutt Magazine, the China Marine Assn. magazine, as well as the Boonville Herald. These firsthand accounts gave the reader the portrayal of what life was like for a young 17-19-year-old marine on the front lines as well as how they had a lasting impact on his life.

Following his return to Central NY, Francis was united in marriage with Collette Kistner on July 21, 1958. The couple settled in Utica, where they lived a majority of their married life and raised their family. Frank was employed for 12 years for Mohawk Airlines where he was employed as a pilot. When computers first came on the scene, Frank then began his longtime employment as a software developer for computer systems in Utica.

In the early 1990’s Frank and Collette relocated to Forestport, where he has since lived. He was a longtime member of the American Legion Post #26, Clark Mills, and for several years enjoyed attending Forestport Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Hanretty passed away on September 4, 2009.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, February 2, 2024 at 4:00 pm at Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. 143 Schuyler St. Boonville, where members of the Charles J. Love Post American Legion, Harland J. Hennessey Post VFW and the Tun Tavern Marine Corps League, all of Boonville, will confer Military Rites and where funeral services will follow. Interment this spring will be held in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Clinton, NY. Calling hours will precede the funeral service beginning at 2:00 pm.

For an online message of sympathy, please go to www.trainorfuneralhome.com.