Obituary of Francis Joseph Brockway

St. Regis Falls - Francis Joseph Brockway, 88, passed away Sunday, February 6, 2022, in the comfort of his home. Arrangements are entrusted to Hammill Funeral Home in St. Regis Falls. Graveside prayers and military honors will be held in the spring at St. Ann’s Cemetery in St. Regis Falls. Francis (Frank) was born in Ft. Covington on May 17, 1933, son of the late Harold Isiah and Ethel M. (Bean) Brockway. He attended Ft. Covington district school and graduated from Ft. Covington High School. Frank served his country in the US Army during the Korean War. He married his loving wife, Shirley Derouchie on June 18, 1955, at St. Patrick’s Church in Hogansburg with Msgr. Funke celebrating. His employment career began at Alcoa in Massena, followed by the St. Lawrence Seaway. Next his career path shifted to building homes with Paragon Custom Homes. He then worked several years in the logging industry. Served as an inspector for the Corp of Engineers during the Fort Drum expansion and he was construction manager at the Ogdensburg Bridge & Port Authority, retiring in 2000. Very active in his faith, Frank was a strong believer in the Catholic Creed, loved his church and honored God daily. He was a parishioner of St. Ann’s Church in St. Regis Falls, a 4th degree Knight of Columbus and a member of the American Legion. Frank’s favorite place was his camp at the base of Azure Mountain. He often gathered with family and friends for countless cookouts, enjoying his famous grilled chicken. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved nature and being outdoors. Frank always enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a member of McCavanaugh Pond Hunting Club for 62 years. He loved gardening, especially watching his indoor seedlings grow on the back porch before planting season with watering assistance from his wife, Shirley. Flowers were always planted right after Memorial Day. Francis is survived by his wife, Shirley, four children, Carole Swanson and Chris Raines of North Carolina, James Francis and Michelle Brockway, Patricia and Lyndon Farmer, and Daniel Robert and Jean Brockway, all of St. Regis Falls, 13 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and 6 step-great grandchildren, his siblings, Rita Boyea and Ann Eldridge, many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by 12 siblings, Madeline Leroux, Thelma Brockway, Gerald Brockway, Eloise Keefe, Carmel Jock, Joyce Smith, Yvonne Leroux, William Brockway, June Smith, Jerome Brockway, Sr. John Mary (Donna Brockway) and John Brockway. Donations may be made to the St. Regis Falls Adult Center or the American Legion in lieu of flowers.