Franklin Davis, 93, lifelong resident of LeRoy NY, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 13, 2024 at UMMC after spending a loving day with his five children. Frank entered our world on March 15, 1931, in Buffalo NY, the youngest of four sons born to Alfred Rice Davis and Anna Board Gillett. Frank graduated from LeRoy High School ’49, attended Culver Military Academy and then completed his formal education at Babson College.
Upon graduation Frank purchased and operated a greenhouse/florist business on North St. in LeRoy for several years where he honed his talent for flower arranging. Frank then began working for Jones Chemicals in various positions including management, operations and sales, traveling throughout the United States to various Jones Facilities. He retired from Jones Chemicals as Sales Manager after 45 years. Frank was fiercely proud of LeRoy and the Davis heritage in the region dating back to the 1790’s. He gave back to his community by serving as a Mason for over 70 years, member of the Leroy Volunteer Fire Department and the Oatka Hose Co. for over 55 years. He was a lifetime member of both the Leroy Presbyterian Church and the LeRoy Historical Society. Additionally, he served on the boards of Machpelah Cemetery, LeRoy Business Council, and the Genesee County Planning Board, He was a member of Stafford Country Club and teamed with Bruce Baker to put the first shovels in the ground for what would become the Bocce courts on Mill St. Frank was the LeRoyan of the Year in 2016.
Frank was the original ‘real deal’ in so many ways. One of a kind. A legend with a trademark. THE CIGAR! When Frank was mentioned, one would say “oh yeah, the guy with the cigar.” His kindness and doing for others was always his way, certainly as ubiquitous as his cigar. Frank enjoyed hosting parties, especially 4th of July and Thanksgiving morning. Frank was religious about his daily elixir for longevity, 7-10 bags of green tea stuffed in a mug. You would find Frank on Wednesday and Friday mornings with the ‘Breakfast Gang’, solving all of the local and national problems by 9:15am. One would most often find Frank tinkering in his shed, fixing something, breaking something, painting something…always a project to be completed! He was a prolific gardener and proud of his plantings, especially zinnias. He loved his John Deere tractor and was frequently seen riding around, many times over to the home of his close friend Bob Jackson, cigar firmly clenched between his teeth.
Frank was predeceased by his parents Alfred and Anna Davis, first wife Nancy (Jones), brothers Daniel, Lewis, and James. He is survived by his wife Martha, daughters Selby (Tony) of Interlaken, Hannah(AJ) of Baldwinsville, sons Benson (Joyce) of E. Bethany, Hugh (Jane) of Fairhaven MA, Andrew (Jennifer) of Hartland VT: grandchildren Jessica Davis of Easton MA., Justin Davis of Jacksonville NC., Nicholas Rizzo (Ceci) of Atlanta GA., Jeff Rizzo of Elmhurst Ill. Casey Denina (Michael) of Long Beach CA. , Alicia Normoyle (Aaron) of Greece, NY. , 6 great grandchildren and his beloved dog Oakley.
At his request there will be no calling hours. Franks memorial service will be held September 28, 2024 at 11:00am at the First Presbyterian Church, 7 Clay Street, LeRoy. Interment will be private at Machpelah Cemetery. Memorials can be made in Frank’s memory to The First Presbyterian Church and the LeRoy Historical Society, 23 East Main Street, LeRoy, NY 14482. To share a memory or leave a condolence please visit leroyfuneralhome.com
