Franklin L Bouchard

Clinton/Port Leyden- Franklin L. "Frank" Bouchard, 77, of Matthew Drive, husband of Darlene, a former longtime resident of North Pearl St. Port Leyden, passed away while surrounded by his loving family at St. Luke's Memorial Hospital, New Hartford, on Saturday, April 23, 2011. Frank was born in Herkimer, on January 30, 1934, a son of William, and Caroline Pickett Bouchard. He grew up in Port Leyden, where he graduated from high school, with the Class of 1952. While in high school, Frank greatly excelled in athletics. He was a leading member of the basketball and baseball teams. On June 19, 1954, Frank was united in marriage with Darlene Rocker, at the Trinity Episcopal Church rectory in Boonville. From 1954 until moving to Port Huron, MI. in the 1980's the coupled resided on North Pearl St. For twenty five years, Mr. Bouchard was employed at Revere Copper and Brass Co. of Rome, for many of those years as the manager of the copper tube mill. Later the couple moved to Port Huron, MI, where he was employed as a manager of the copper tube mill at Muller Brass Co. He retired in 1987, and in 1994 they moved to Clinton, NY. After that Frank was employed in the shoe department of the Sears Department Store, at Sangertown Square, New Hartford. Except for his wife and family, baseball and basketball were the loves of Frank's life. At the conclusion of his senior year at Port Leyden High School, Frank went to Florida to try out for the Brooklyn Dodgers Baseball Team. He was injured during the tryouts. After that he was very active in playing town team baseball and basketball. For many years he served as a referee for boy's high school basketball games throughout central and northern New York. His favorite baseball teams were the St. Louis Cardnials, and the NY Yankees. He was also a great fan of the NY Knicks Basketball Team, the NY Giants Football Team, the NY Rangers Hockey Team, and he was an avid Syracuse Orange fan. For a time he attended the First Congregational Church, Port Leyden, where he had served as a trustee. In addition to his wife, Darlene, Frank is survived by his children, Yvette (Edward) Farr, Port Leyden, Franklin, Jr. (Annette Wahl) Bouchard, Boonville, Yvonne Lallier and her companion, Steve Ludlow, Sauquoit, seven grandchildren, Edward, Amber, Farr, Anthony, Billie Jean, Samantha Bouchard, Michael and Andrew Lallier, and one great granddaughter, Kiera Marie Carman. The last of his family, he was predeceased by three brothers, Louis, Albert, William, and three sisters, Hattie Plante, Lillian Seibert, and Mary Lou Kessler. His services will be held privately at the convenience of the family at the Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. 143 Schuyler St. with interment in Port Leyden Cemetery. There are no calling hours. Memorial contributions may be made to the Bible Baptist Community Church, P.O. Box 502 Port Leyden 13433. For an on-line message of sympathy, or to share a memory of Frank, please go to www.trainorfuneralhome.com.