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Max Francisco Obituary
of Hancock
Max A. Francisco, 81, of Hancock, died on Wednesday, August 14, 2008, in Johnson City, N.Y. He was born on June 15, 1927, in Hamden, N.Y, to Montie and Melissa (Schloss) Francisco. Max is survived by his wife, Alice (Augustine), whom he married on October 3, 1953 in Hancock, N.Y. Max served in the Marine Corps during WWII in the Sixth Marine Division. He was self-employed as a truck driver for fifty-five years. His many enjoyments included hunting, fishing and traveling, but his greatest enjoyment was flying his airplanes. Max took his first airplane ride when he was twenty-five years old, starting a passion that lasted his lifetime. He became a flight instructor, which enabled him to share with so many, his love of flying. Max managed the White Birch Airport for over three decades, where he welcomed all who came to the fly-in breakfasts on Sundays. Surviving are two daughters, Maxine and husband, Paul Kovalkoski, Scranton, Pa., and Melissa and husband, Chris Newman, Hancock, N.Y., two sons, John (Jack) and wife, Susan, Shehawken, Pa., and Timothy and wife, Shelia, Starlight, Pa.; ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Also surviving are two sisters, Kathleen and husband, Elwin Patterson, Bainbridge, N.Y., and Charlotte Houck, Waxhall, N.C. Max was predeceased by three brothers, Cecil and Rexford Francisco and Henry Houck; and two sisters, Addie Falk and Claudia Lewis.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, August 15, 2008, from 2-4 and 7-9 and a Funeral Service will be on Saturday, August 16, 2008, at 2 p.m. Interment will follow in St. Paul's Cemetery, Hancock. Anyone wishing to make a contribution in the memory of Max can do so to the Hancock Rescue Squad. Arrangements by Henderson-Biedekapp Funeral Chapel, Hancock, N.Y.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Max Francisco
Robert Smith
March 24, 2025
Max I knew you since I was 12 yrs. old then I was lucky to join you working out of Buffalo, NY. for George W Brown and Price Trucking Corp. Until your retirement I wish I took you up on the breakfast at the airport. May you fly with the angels.
Robert Smith
March 24, 2025
Max you were special may you fly with the angels
Billy Kittner
August 26, 2008
Like always I was off getting a plane at another airport and didnt get the sad news till I returned. I will surely miss my landing comments from Max @ sunday breakfast."you got that coupe in here?". Blue skies Max, and may the sun never set where you fly now.
Beth Teuber
August 19, 2008
After all these years we will miss seeing Max driving by to go up to the airport. Sometimes he'd just wave and other times he would stop on the road to chat with our family. It was a familiar and comforting sight and we'd always comment-"There goes Max". Whether we would run into Max at the airport for Sunday breakfasts or he was working by himself around the airport- it was fun to listen to his stories, which were always entertaining- he'd laugh heartily at his own punch lines! But what I remember the most was his taking me up for an airplane ride. I was too afraid to go up for a long time and never asked to go. One day he did in fact ask me and I suddenly realized if I was going to do that- he would be the only person I trusted enough to go with. What a ride! He flew me over the Cannonsville Reservoir and once I was up in the air I was surprised to find I was not scared but in awe of seeing things from another perspective. It was beautiful. Thanks Max for letting me experience something I might not have if not for you. With deep appreciation and sympathy to your family- may your memories help you through this difficult time.
Reva Dufel
August 17, 2008
Dear Alice and Family,
Sorry the old boy has passed on. I have many fond memories of Max when we were growing up together. Cousin Reva
Barb Elwood Schlatter
August 17, 2008
To the Francisco family,
I will never forget the first time I ever flew. Max offered to take me for a ride from WB field over Hancock. It was wonderful. Max will be missed!
Michelle Barnes (Paul)
August 16, 2008
My deepest sympathy to all of your loss....Max was an awful nice man and will be missed by many
God Bless you all
Charles & Pat Tafra
August 16, 2008
To Alice and Family
Max was a great man. A friend who will always be remembered. He will be deeply missed. Memories of White Birch and flying together will keep him close to our hearts. God Bless. Pat and Chuck Tafra
Vera Niles
August 16, 2008
Alice & Family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. White Birch Airport will never be the same without Max.
Our love and prayers are with all of you.
Vera Niles & Family
Jennie Peckham
Penny Jacobs
August 15, 2008
Max, you will always have a special place in my heart. Thanks for having the patience to teach Donny, Dale and me to fly. Your love of flying was apparent and you will continue to fly right seat with me. Thanks for showing me the big open sky and the freedom of flight. God bless you....and I'll see you again someday for another flight review!
Joan Polomcean
August 15, 2008
Alice , family and Kurt,
Sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved Max. He will be greatly missed by all who ever came in contact with him. I am certainly going to miss the coffee time with him at the country store. Loved to hear his stories. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time and always. God Bless each and everyone of you and know He is watching over you and will help you through this rough time and the loss of your dear loved one.. If there is anything at all I can do PLEASE feel free to call me or contact me. My thoughts and prayers are with each and everyone of you. Love to all , Joan
Ken and Betty Corey
August 15, 2008
Sorry for your loss.
Elayne, Mary Lou and Louise
August 15, 2008
We are very sorry for your loss. Max sounded like a really great guy. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely, Your Puzzle Buddies
Ann and Eddie Robbins
August 15, 2008
Alice and family,
We will miss your visits with us and our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. Max, rest in peace.
Ann, Eddie and Angie Robbins
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