Obituary of Franklin W. Rolls

Franklin Walbridge Rolls "Frank" Age 88, of Elmira, New York, passed away on Thursday, August 11, 2011, surrounded by his loving children and grandchildren, at the Chemung County Nursing Facility. Franklin was born on April 13, 1923, in Stonyfork, Pennsylvania, the son of the late Frank P. and Gladys Walbridge Rolls. He was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Sally, and his sister, Betty Olin. Franklin is survived by his five children: Joseph T. Rolls, Elmira, NY; Daniel A. Rolls (Kathy) of Caseville, MI; Glenn R. Rolls (Mary Jane) of Elmira, NY; James F. Rolls (Debbie) of Elmira, NY; and Beth A. (Steven) Kuhl of Horseheads. Grandchildren: Traci Morgan, Heather (Aaron) Pishalski, Todd (Dawn) Huntley, Kelli (Bryan) Matheny, Geoffry Rolls, Eric (Joanne) Rolls, Corey Rolls, Sara Rolls, Shelly (Joseph) Long, Patrick (Monica) Rolls, Timothy (Kerri) Rolls, Kimberly Rolls, Garrison Kuhl and Evan Kuhl. Great-grandchildren: Tyler, Kaylee, Devon, Ryan, Jared H., Ethan, Miranda, Lowell, Clarice, Daemon, Bentley, Jaxon, Caden, Alystiana, Mackenzie, Madeline, Jared W., Abigayle, Hailey and Hayden. He is also survived by his aunt, Martha Garrison, of Williamsport, PA, nephew, Charles (Nancy) Olin, niece, Donna Schnautz, along with their four children, and many other nieces, nephews and cousins. Franklin's working career began at the Gorton Coy department store in downtown Elmira. He also worked for the Colgate-Palmolive Co., H. Strauss Co., Deister and Butler Jewelers and retired from Harold's Army/Navy Stores. He was proud to serve his country in World War II, stationed in Europe and Japan, where he ended his military career as Sgt. Major of the 386th Infantry, 97th Division. He continued to maintain contact with many of his Army friends over the years. Franklin was a volunteer at the Arnot Ogden Medical Center, a past board member of the YMCA, member of the Lions Club and several other local community service organizations. Frank's greatest enjoyment in life was spending time with his family, summers at Keuka Lake, winters in Zephyrhills, Florida, gardening, refinishing and caning chairs, and getting together regularly with his friends ("the gang") for breakfast at Cozy Corner or dinner. His homemade ice cream was a special treat at family gatherings, and he also enjoyed sharing it with the residents and staff at CCNF when his wife resided there. Relatives and friends are invited to call at McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W. Water St., Elmira, NY on Sunday, August 14, 2011 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Funeral services will be held there on Monday, August 15, 2011, at 10:00 AM, followed by burial, with full military honors, at Woodlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Arctic League, 249 W. Clinton St., Elmira, NY 14901 or North Presbyterian Church Food Pantry, 921 College Avenue, Elmira, NY 14901, would be appreciated. The family would like to express their gratitude to the 5th floor staff at the Chemung County Nursing Facility, the home health care staff of the Bath VA Center, Fran Tarby and good neighbors Crystal, Eric and Andrea for all of the wonderful care and loving support they provided to him.