Franklin J. Wendell

Mr. Franklin J. "Judge" Wendell of Hickory Hill Road, Fonda, New York died peacefully on Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at home with his family by his side. He was 93. Born May 10, 1918 in Woodhaven, NY he was the son of the late Franklin and Mary Ellen Johnston Wendell. Frank graduated from Jamaica High School in Jamaica, Queens, NY and later attended Lehigh University. In 1941 he graduated from Cornell University School of Agriculture. He worked for over 50 years in farming growing thousands of acres of fruits and vegetables for Beech-Nut Nutrition in Canajoharie, NY. Frank will be remembered for being a strong, humble humanitarian and community leader. He served his community in many different capacities; most notably he was the Founder and Director of the Montgomery County Literacy Project which began in 1986 and is still in existence helping individuals overcome several challenges. For 42 years he served as the Town Justice for the Town of Mohawk. During his tenure he served with great pride and performed over 600 marriages. Judge was also a Member and Past President of the Magistrates Association of Montgomery County. He served as the Chairman of the Montgomery County Community Service Board, former Director of the Montgomery County Youth Bureau, Chairman of the Alternatives to Incarceration Program, former Member and Past President of the FFCS Board of Education, formed the Neighborhood Watch Committee for the Sand Flats, a parishioner of St. Cecilia's Roman Catholic Church, an Eagle Scout and former Boy Scout Cub Master of Fonda Pack 42 for over 20 years. Judge also received many awards and accolades including, The Silver Beaver Award in Scouting Leadership, The 1998 Montgomery County Bar Association's Liberty Bell Service Award, The United Way Leadership Award in 1995 and the 1997 Magistrates Outstanding Service Award given by the Fonda- Fultonville Lions Club. Above all, his family meant the most to him; and he will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him. Survivors include his loving wife of 66 years, the former Gloria I. Evangelista; one sister, Marjorie Wendell Go of Whitinsville, MA; his beloved children, Marcia Schoff and her husband Philip of Fort Plain, NY, Tricia Wendell and her husband Michael DeSimone of Waterford, NY, David Wendell of Fonda, NY, Bruce Wendell of Johnstown, NY, and F. Timothy Wendell and his wife Lynn of Fonda, NY; six cherished grandchildren, Wendi Waters and her husband Keith, Caryn Kovatch and her husband Eric, Philip Schoff and his fiancé, Jordan Marcel Heath, Kristin Wendell and her fiancé, Jeremy Tchaban, Lauren Wendell and Monica Wendell; two very special great grandchildren, Kyla Marcia Ann Kovatch and Jack Franklin Waters; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and his special caregiver and friend, Renae Zarecki Mead. He was predeceased by his brother, Edgar Wendell. Relatives and friends are invited and may call Friday, January 20, 2012 from 1 until 3p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral and burial services will be private and at the convenience of the family. Interment will take place in Evergreen Cemetery, Sandflats, Fonda, NY. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Frank's memory to the Montgomery County Literacy Project, 1300 A, Riverfront Centre, Amsterdam, NY 12010 or St. Cecilia's Roman Catholic Church, Broadway, Fonda, NY 12068. Arrangements have been entrusted to Jackson & Betz Funeral Home, 15 Main Street, Fultonville, NY.