QUEENSBURY | Francis A. Coulard, 84, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2016, while a patient at The Stanton Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Queensbury. Frank has been battling complications from a serious stroke suffered in April of 2007.

Born in Newburgh in April of 1931, he was the son of Joseph A. and Frances V. (Smith) Coulard.

Frank entered the United States Navy after high school in Newburgh and served on a U.S.N. Carrier. While serving military duty, Frank excelled in football, basketball, and baseball, playing on the U.S. Navy Basketball team.

He attended New York State Teacher's College in New Paltz, receiving his Masters in teaching, studied graduate work at NYU and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa National Fraternity. He served as principal while teaching in the Poughkeepsie School District. He served as assistant principal in a U.S. military base school in Germany. While teaching in Poughkeepsie, he taught science to "special needs" children and received honors and awards in that venue.

Most of his life, Frank enjoyed downhill and cross country skiing. He was known for "…following the snow…". Rest in peace, Frank. You have waited a long time for it.

In addition to his parents, Frank was predeceased by two brothers, Joseph Coulard and his wife, Bessie, of Thurman and James Coulard of Massachusetts.

He is survived by two sisters, Terry Wozencraft of Texas, and Jean Coulard of Thurman; two brothers, Richard Coulard and his wife, Joy of South Carolina, and Gordon Coulard and his wife, Alex, of Long Island; and several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service with military honors,will take place at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 25, at Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville.

Condolences may be mailed to Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette St., Queensbury, NY 12804, or through the websute: www.bakerfuneralhome.com.