QUEENSBURY -- Francis Ira Gifford,77, of Queensbury earned his wings on Saturday, April 9, 2016 at home with family by his side following a courageous battle with cancer.

Born Feb. 14, 1939 in Rutland, Vermont, he was the son of the late Arneta (Wells) Gifford and Leland Earl Gifford Sr.

Frank served with the US Marine Corps until his honorable discharge in 1958. It wasn't long there after he found his calling in the Paper Industry (working for Patrician Paper, Crown Zellarbach, James Rivers, Encore Paper [at one time a Partner and Vice President of Operations], and SCA Tissue prior to his retirement).

He very much enjoyed flying and was a Certified Licensed Pilot (Private Pilot / Airplane Single Engine Land) of which he recently renewed in 2009. He enjoyed building and flying RC Airplanes and Helicopters, spending much time with his friends at the "North Country Flying Tigers Club" field in Adamsville, logging many successful maiden flights for friends and club members alike over the years. He would often go to "The Hump" to fly with friends and tune planes as well when not at the Club Field quite often. An extremely skilled builder and pilot, there wasn't a single detail he would miss. He was the go-to guy that always had the right tool and know-how to get the job done, whatever it may be – frequently dropping what he was working on to give a helping hand.

In addition to his parents, Frank was predeceased by two brothers and a sister: Leland Gifford Jr., Barbara Gifford, and Richard Gifford.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 47yrs, Patricia Gifford; two daughters: Connie Ferraro and her husband Keith; Suzan Marcelletti and her husband Joe; two sons: Frank and Jason Gifford; grandchildren: Tristan Gifford; Kayla, Ashley, and Alexa Ferraro; Anthony, Joseph, and Nicholas Marcelletti; all of Queensbury; siblings: Donna Davis and her husband Jeff, of South Glens Falls; Leona Stark, of Rotterdam; Mona Smith and her husband Bill, of Queensbury; James McNaughton, of South Glens Falls; his mother-in-law: Winona Randall; and a brother-in-law: Tony Cummins, of Galway.

Our Father's character never wavered through his illness and there is a quote that reminds of him: "Facing death is the ultimate test of character. I don't want to die, but if I have to, I'd like to do it with a little pride.", and that's exactly what you did in spades dad.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to CR Wood Cancer Center, 102 Park Street, Glens Falls, NY.

Friends and relatives are invited to call on the family from 11am until 1pm Monday, April 18, 2016, at Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette Street, Queensbury, NY.

Graveside ceremonies with military honors will take place at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville at 2 pm.

He will be dearly missed by his family and all who knew him.

Condolences may be sent to the funeral home or through www.bakerfuneralhome.com.