Francis H. Olmstead, Jr.

Francis "Fran" H. Olmstead, Jr. age 88, of Painted Post, NY, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Friday, October 2, 2026.

Fran was born on June 21, 1938, to Francis H. and Josephine (Andolino) Olmstead. He married Mary Helen Nelson at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church in Corning, NY, and his life was blessed with 65 years of happiness, joy and true love. Mary Helen (Cissy) and their family were what mattered most to Fran. Mary Helen was Fran’s best friend and true partner. Fran was a graduate of Northside High School in Corning, Class of 1955. He then graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Following this, Fran received a Master of Science Degree from Daniels School of Business at Purdue University and then completed The Program for Management Development at Harvard Business School.

Fran started his business career in 1962 as a shift foreman at Corning Glass Works Fallbrook Plant and later served as Vice President and General Manager of the Electrical Products Division of Corning Inc. Fran left Corning in 1984 to become Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Industrial and Commercial Division of North American Philips Lighting Corporation. He then became President and CEO of Anchor Advanced products in Knoxville, TN, and during this time he also became Chairman of Covenant Health Board of Directors in Knoxville, TN.

Fran graduated from the ROTC program in college and served from 1962-1969 and served as an Army Infantry officer in both active Army and US Army Reserve. Fran believed that community service was the key to living a full life. His most meaningful volunteer work was with the Boy Scouts of America, Covenant Health System of Knoxville, TN, Purdue’s Daniels School of Business, Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, and Guthrie Corning Hospital. Fran was also a very active volunteer with All Saints Parish in Corning, serving in numerous capacities including a Trustee of the Parish.

Fran was predeceased by his parents and is survived by his most precious wife, Mary Helen, children: Kathleen (James) Hebden of Plymouth, MI, Ann ( Chris) Wilkinson of Hammondsport, NY, and Dr. John (Catherine) Olmstead of Painted Post, NY; grandchildren: Ainsley (Carter) Bloor of Middle River, MD, Dr. James Hebden of Plymouth, MI, Andrew (Katie) Hebden of Birmingham, MI, Linsey (Andrew) Young of Charlottesville, VA, Dr. Christey (Jake) Weinstein of Corning, NY, Aidan Olmstead of New York, NY, Logan Olmstead of Painted Post, NY and Riley Olmstead of Painted Post, NY; and great-grandchildren: Margaux and Emmeline Hebden, Brynley and Bennett Bloor, Abigail Hebden and Max Weinstein. In addition, Fran is survived by his sister, Annette Smith, of Owensboro, KY and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial at All Saints Parish in Corning, NY will be held at a later date for family members.

Donations may be made in Fran's memory to Guthrie Corning Hospital, Meals on Wheels, All Saints Parish, or to CareFirstNY.

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