Francis B. Carter

Francis (Frank) B. Carter, 77, of Cooperstown, passed away at his home on Thursday, March 24th at 1:30 a.m. following a battle with cancer.Born February 19th, 1939, Frank was the son of Fred and Margaret Carter. On September 16, 1979, Frank married Carol Rhoades, who survives.In April of 1956, Frank entered the US Navy where he became an Aviation Ordinance Chief Petty Officer, with roles in Air Launch Weapons Intermediate Guided Missile Technician and a Navy Drug and Alcohol Counselor Intern during the Vietnam Era. During his time in the military, Frank was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (2), Seventh Good Conduct Award, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (3), Pistol Expert Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, the Navy Expeditionary Medal, the Navy "E" Ribbon, and the Meritorious Unit Commendation. He retired from the Navy in July of 1988 in San Diego, CA and went to work at the U.S. Postal Service and a mail sorter.Frank enjoyed bowling and was an active member of the VFW Jesse Greer Post #1835, the DAV, and the V.E.T.S. Honor Guard.Frank is survived by his wife; his 3 sons: Franc Carter of Cooperstown, Austin Cone of Las Vegas, NV, and Damian Cone of Osan, South Korea; and 4 daughters: Frances "Beneen" Henderson of San Diego, CA, Tina Robertson of Franklin, Franchette "Bridget" Tate of Las Vegas, NV, and Connie Nieto of Denver, CO. He is also survived by several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.Frank was preceded in death by his parents, six brothers, and an infant sister.Friends and family will be received at the Gardinier Funeral Home, Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street in Franklin, on Monday, March 28 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Funeral services will follow visitation at the funeral home on Monday at 6:00 p.m. with the Rev. Randy Kightlinger, VNA Hospice Chaplain, officiating. Interment will be at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Bridgeville with full military honors.The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the V.E.T.S. Honor Guard, PO Box 137, Franklin, PA 16323.To send online condolences, flowers, cards, or for further information, friends and family are invited to visit www.gardinierfuneralhome.com.