Francis Gehl

Francis “Fran” Gehl passed on peacefully, at the age of 90, to his heavenly reward on Sunday, June 5, 2022 with his loving wife, Lois at his side.

Fran was born on March 09, 1932 and was the oldest of five sons born to Frank and Mary Helen (Smith) Gehl.

After graduating high school, Fran served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and later as a reservist. Upon Fran’s honorable discharge, he began his apprenticeship at Corning Glass Works where he had a 35-year career as a machinist. Fran was elected and served as President of Local 1000 American Flint Glass Workers’ Union. Upon retirement, Fran worked for Congressman Amory Houghton as Amo’s veteran services liaison for seven years. Fran cherished this job, mostly because he loved to help others but also because of his close personal friendship with Amo.

Fran grew up in Corning, was a member of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic parish, and graduated from Corning Free Academy and Corning Community College. He proudly served Corning as a Steuben County Legislator for 16 years and was instrumental in the establishment of the Steuben County 911 emergency call service.

Fran was an active member of the John P. Eaton American Legion Post 746 and the Corning Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks Lodge 1071. Fran happily donated countless hours of his time to the Boy Scouts of America Troop 63 in Corning and the regional council, Catholic Charities, St. Mary’s Parish, the Finger Lakes SPCA in Bath, and the alumni association of Corning Free Academy. Over a span of many years, Fran planned and hosted annual dinners for members of local and state law enforcement and area first responders at both the Elks and the American Legion. Fran greatly enjoyed his experience on Mission 44 of Honor Flight Rochester.

Fran was a committed son of Corning, a man who loved his city and its residents. Fran was well known and a friend to people from all walks of life. He cherished his family and was very proud of his children, their spouses, and his grandchildren. He was a GREAT husband, Dad, Poppa, and DadDad. Fran’s family are proud to have had him in their lives and are better people due to his moral and loving influence. Fran will be missed by the many, many people whose lives he touched.

Fran is survived by his wife of 67 years, Lois (Northway); his son, Mark (Karen); daughters, Mary (Jack) Doyle and Diane (Jeff) Gross; four grandchildren: Dan (Liz) Doyle, Betsy (Kyle) Johnson, Michael (Morghin) Gehl, and Jake Gross; and four great-grandchildren. Fran is also survived by his four younger brothers, Jim (Jane), Tom (Sherry), Bob (Pam), and Dan (Marcia); and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Memorial contributions, if desired, can be made to Finger Lakes SPCA, 72 Cameron Street, Bath, NY 14810, www.fingerlakesspca.org.

There will be a public visitation on Friday, June 10th from 11-1 PM at Haughey Funeral Home, Inc., 216 E. 1st Street in Corning, NY, where the Corning Elks Lodge 1071 will conduct a funeral ceremony at 12:50 PM followed by Catholic funeral prayers at 1:30 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2 PM at St. Mary's Church, 155 State Street in Corning with Father Matthew Jones officiating. Entombment will be at St. Mary's Mausoleum. Military honors will be conducted by the Corning American Legion Post 746 and the United States Navy.

Fran's family has entrusted his care to Haughey Funeral Home, Inc.