Obituary of Francis S. Holwell

Johnsburg: Francis S. Holwell, 88, of South Johnsburg Road, passed away peacefully Wednesday, March 22, 2006 at his home with his beloved wife by his side. Born September 19, 1917 in Brooklyn, he was the son of the late James and Emma (Fecher) Holwell. Francis resided on Long Island for the majority of his life and retired from sales in the heavy construction equipment industry in the 1980’s. Living on the water, (Great South Bay) in Amityville, enabled him to pursue his love for fishing and passion for sailing. He was past commander of the New York Power Squadron, a member of the Captree Power Squadron, member of the “N” Club and South Bay Cruising Club. His hunting interest led to setting up a hunting camp in Wevertown in 1960. A growing interest in skiing brought family and friends to this camp sight. He married Joyce Schattauer in 1972 and during their business careers the couple spent vacations sailing and gunk holing the eastern seaboard, leading to their retirement dream of sailing their boat “Manana” to the Bahamas, which they did twice, living aboard 11 months each time. Slowly giving up the sea regrettably, they built a log cabin in Johnsburg in 1989 to better enjoy skiing at Gore. They moved up permanently in 1996 becoming active members in the North Creek Rotary and attending St. James RC Church. Besides his parents, his first wife, Doris (Brackmann) Holwell and his son, John “Skip” Holwell; his brother, James, sisters, Dorothy Kiesel, Ruth (Sister Bernadette DeLourdes) have all predeceased him. Survivors besides his wife of 33 years include his children, Patricia McGrath and her husband, Ronald of Trappe, MD, US District Judge Richard Holwell and his wife, Nancy of New York City, Jane Sinclair of Hampton Bays; his grandchildren, Gordon, Alison, Ana, Eve, Lauren, Meghan and Ian; many nieces, nephews. A mass to celebrate Francis’s life will be conducted 11 am Saturday, March 25, 2006 at St. James RC Church in North Creek. There are no calling hours scheduled. In lieu of flowers, memorials may take the form of donations to a charity of ones choice. Visit www.alexanderfuneralhomes.com for online guest book, condolences and directions.