Francis K. Taber Jr.

Schenectady- Francis K. Taber, Jr. (Frank), 74 - devoted father, loving grandfather and great-grandfather, trusted brother, and loyal friend - passed away peacefully, in his sleep and in the comfort of his home, on November 25, 2022.

Frank was born on June 19, 1948. He was the first of six sons born to Francis Taber and Irene (Michalski) Taber. Frank was delivered at Ellis Hospital in Schenectady, New York.

"Big Frank", as he became affectionately known, spent his childhood years playing sports, roughhousing and fraternizing with his brothers and friends. It was not until after graduating from Bishop Gibbons High School in 1967, that everyone saw the Big Frank that we all came to know and love – tirelessly hard working, extremely proficient at his trade, fiercely loyal, steadfast, proud and reliable. As a young man, he began his 40+ year career with the Golub Corporation, working as a butcher at Price Chopper and eventually rising to department manager, working at numerous Price Chopper markets throughout the Capital Region. Frank was a principled guy. He loved a good joke as much as anyone, but he was, without a doubt, a straight shooter. You always knew where you stood with Frank. He was a guy who meant what he said and said what he meant.

He was unquestionably the patriarch of the Taber family. Frank was the consummate protector and provider of his family and he spent his life working to support those he loved. At times he held three jobs consecutively to ensure that his family was secure and did not go without. Frank was always a respectful son, and in her later years, he was the dutiful caretaker of his dear mom, who he absolutely adored. His proudest accomplishment and what he enjoyed most was spending time with his five children. To his children, he was their teacher of life lessons and their most ardent of supporters. But more than anything else, he was their constant, their safeguard and the backbone of their family.

Being a grandfather worked its magic perfectly on Frank. He was a playful, doting and affectionate "Papa T", sneaking his grandchildren snacks and fitting in a few extra stories before bedtime, and he always had good stories. He lit up when he saw them.

Frank is survived by his adoring children, Kimberly Neary, Jennifer Taber, Michael Taber, Tara Taber-Erlich (husband Seth Erlich) and Lisa Taber; his grandchildren Christopher Gallione, Brittney Neary, Brianna Taber, Layla Taber, Jude Taber, Aiden Erlich and Ricky Newkirk; his great-grandchildren Mila Gallione and Cameron Gallione; his brothers, Gregory Taber, Thomas Taber (wife Mary Taber), Larry Taber (wife Terri Taber) and Mark Taber (wife Shelli); and his many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends - all with whom he leaves a legacy of strength, integrity and fortitude.

He was preceded by his devoted mother, Irene (Michalski) Taber; father, Francis Taber, Sr.; and brother, Jeffrey Taber.

Private services will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. https://www.stjude.org