Frank Knizek

Colonie- Frank Knizek, 87, passed away at home on Wednesday, November 8, 2006 surrounded by his loving family. Born in Schenectady he was the son of the late Anton and Bohumila Knizek. Before WWII, Frank went to work for General Electric in Schenectady as a tool and dye maker. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp. during WWII, working in field telephone maintenance. Frank participated in action against the enemy at Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, the consolidation of Solomon Islands and also participated in the occupation of China. After the war he went on to work for NY Telephone Company, starting out as a lineman and ending his career in management, retiring in 1981. Frank was a Trustee for the Village of Colonie in the late 50's and early 60's. He was a 56 year member and past president of the Colonie Volunteer Fire Company and Fire Police, and a member of the Colonie Huntsman Rod and Gun Club. He was active in the Telephone Company Pioneers, and the Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Explorers with his sons. Frank loved to build things including his family home, the family camp at Friends Lake and the Rod and Gun Club Lodge at Piseco Lake. Frank is predeceased by his sister Blanche Hughes, his brother Benjamin Knizek and nephew Harold Abraham.
Frank is survived by his beloved wife of almost 60 years Edythe (Haas) Knizek and his three children Robert Knizek and wife Mary DeGroff of Clifton Park, Rick Knizek and wife Anne Marie of Clifton Park and Karen Smith and husband Jim of Saratoga Springs. He is also survived by 9 grandchildren, Erick, Susan, Brandon, Michael, Timothy, Evan, Bryan, Alex, and Audrey, his great-granddaughter Annika and his nephew Wallace Abraham. Frank's family wishes to personally thank Dr. Roberta Miller, Kristy Johnson RN, as well as his home care aides Rita, Anthony, David and Patrick for their professional and loving care over the last several years.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 11:30 AM at New Comer-Cannon Family Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie (Rt. 155-south of Central Ave.). Calling hours will be held on Saturday from 10:30 to 11:30 AM at the funeral home. Interment will be in Memory's Garden, Colonie. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, 421 New Karner Rd., Albany, NY 12205 or to the Colonie Village Fire Company 1631 Central Ave., Albany, NY 12205 in memory of Frank Knizek. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.newcomerfamily.com.