Franklin J. Huckabone

Franklin J. “Frank” Huckabone, 88, of Liverpool, NY, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, dedicated public servant, and beloved friend, went home to be with the Lord passing away peacefully at his home on October 31, 2026.

Born in Brooklyn, NY, Frank dedicated his career to serving others, retiring as Deputy Chief of the City of Syracuse Fire Department after 35 years of service. His commitment to helping people extended far beyond his years in the fire service. He was a kind, caring, and hardworking man who believed in lending a hand, solving a problem, and being there whenever someone needed him.

Frank shared 49 wonderful years of marriage and 4 kids with his first wife, Virginia A. “Ginny” Huckabone, who predeceased him in 2005.

For the past 20 years, Frank spent his life with his beloved wife, Kathy McGaffick. Together, they built a loving partnership filled with companionship, laughter, travel, and countless cherished memories.

Frank was a loving father to Jay, Tammy, Todd, and Eric Huckabone, and Edward A. (Laura) McGaffick. He was a proud grandfather to Nicholas, Emalee, Rebecca, and Claire. In addition to Ginny, he was predeceased by his cherished son-in-law, Dave Burger,
loving husband of daughter Tammy; his brother, Gregg Huckabone; and, his parents, Margaret and Franklin Huckabone.

Frank was a man of many talents and interests. A gifted woodcarver and skilled carpenter, he had the remarkable ability to take an ordinary piece of wood and transform it into something beautiful. He was also the ultimate handyman—there simply wasn’t a problem he couldn’t figure out how to fix. Whether repairing something around the house, building something with his hands, or helping a friend, Frank was always ready and willing to lend his time and talents.

He loved to travel, especially spending winters in Florida, where he enjoyed the warmth, sunshine, and time spent with those he loved. Yet no matter where his travels took him, home, family, and friendship remained at the heart of his life.

To those fortunate enough to know Frank, he was so much more than a retired firefighter. He was the neighbor you could count on, the friend who was always there, and the man who never hesitated to help. He showed up. His generosity, quiet strength, and genuine concern for others left a lasting impression on everyone whose life he touched.

Frank leaves behind not only a loving family, but a community of people whose lives were made a little easier, a little brighter, and a whole lot better simply because he was there.

A wonderful friend, a dedicated public servant, a talented craftsman, and, above all, a good man.

He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever treasured.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, at 3:00 p.m., at Grace Episcopal Church, 110 Oswego Street, Baldwinsville, NY.

For livestream information, please visit Grace Episcopal Church (https://graceepiscopalbaldwinsville.org/).

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Frank’s memory to the Food Bank of Central New York (https://www.foodbankcny.org/) or Grace Episcopal Church.

To share a memory of Frank or to leave a special message for his family, visit the guest book below.