Staucet, Frank P.

Staucet, Frank P.



“Pop”

Colonie-Frankie Staucet, 93, rounded third base and slid home to his wife, Grace and everlasting life on Thursday, January 14, 2016.

A native of Whiting, Indiana, he was the son of the late Mary (Brenkus) Staucet and Frank Staucet.Frankie made the Albany area his beloved home while playing baseball for the Albany Senators and finding the love of his life.He was an avid athlete at Catholic Central High School, Indiana and St. Joseph College.Frankie was known for his good sportsmanship and persistent work ethic.

Professional baseball scouts discovered Frank’s prowess while on the team at St. Joe’s where he played shortstop alongside Hall of Famer Gil Hodges, a friendship that remained intact until Gil’s death.He was signed to a professional contract at age 19 and reported to AAA Indianapolis. Shortly into that season, his baseball career was put on hold for four years while he served in WWII as a quartermaster in United States Navy aboard a LST in the Pacific Theatre.

When the war ended, Frank resumed his career joining Evansville, Indiana and then, in 1947, he moved on to Selma of the Southern Association where he was named to the All-Star team.His contract was purchased by the Albany Senators of the Eastern League, and he joined the team for the 1948 season.In 1949, he was an intricate part of their Championship squad along with his double play compatriot, Fred Lanifero.He was voted “Most Popular Player” in 1951 and embraced the Capital District as his home forever more as the fans embraced him.In recognition of his fantastic career, Frank was voted into the Capital District Baseball Hall of Fame(2003) and into the Hammond, Indiana Sports Hall of Fame(2001).

Following his baseball career, Frank began a 50 year career as a life insurance agent here in Albany with Provident Mutual.A highly respected agent, he served for a time as president of both the Albany Life Underwriters and CLU Associations.

Frank maintained his love of athletics throughout his life and could be found regularly on golf courses throughout the area as a member of the “Two by Fore” Association.He served as Commissioner of the Albany County American Legion Baseball League and was a member of the Guilderland Kiwanis.He continued to serve his community until his death by transporting donations to the various food pantries in the city of Albany.

In 1952, he married the love of his life, Grace Tiernan, who pre-deceased him in 2007. Their 54 year marriage yielded 4 children:Susan (Dave) Doemel, Frank (Monique) Staucet, Mary (Craig) Johnson, and Lori (Lewis) Sharp.Their family was the center of their lives, especially their grandchildren:Michelle (Andrew) Irons, David (Stefanie) Doemel, Danielle (Philip) Faseun, Gabrielle (Sean) Coffey, Michael Doemel, Wesley (Melanie) Staucet, Justin (Jennifer) Staucet, Jordan Staucet, and Mia Staucet, Justine (Nick) Fustino, Jonathan (Kandis) Serrano, and Benjamin Serrano, Caitlin (Matt) Tilden, and Tiernan Grace Sharp. Frank is also survived by his 16 great grandchildren and his loyal companion, Corky.He was predeceased by his sister Mary Therese Dybel, as well as his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Joan and Richard Girvin.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Tuesday, January 19, 2016 at 9 am in All Saints Catholic Church, Homestead St. Albany. Relatives and friends are invited and may also visit with Frank’s family on Monday, January 18, 2016 from 3-7 pm in the Daniel Keenan Funeral Home, 490 Delaware Ave. Albany. Entombment will follow the Mass in the Mausoleum of St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Frank’s name to Christian Brothers Academy or The Academy of the Holy Names.