Francis H. “Frank” Suits, Sr., passed away June 22, 2023 at Francis House in Syracuse, NY surrounded by his devoted daughter, Elaine and sons, Frank, Jr. and Paul.
Frank was born in Watkins Glen NY on January 20, 1938. He graduated from Watkins Glen High School and Manlius Military Academy. He also attended Erie County Technical Institute and SUNY at Buffalo where he concentrated in engineering and business.
Frank was an avid High School athlete lettering in basketball and football.
Frank married his high school sweetheart, Elizabeth and they moved to Cortland in 1960 to raise their family and start Cortland Asphalt. Frank and his older brother, Harry J. Suits, continued to grow and develop the family business, representing multiple locations across New York State.
In the late 1970’s the various companies were consolidated under the name of Suit-Kote Corporation with Cortland, New York becoming the Corporate Headquarters.
Frank, Sr. was a strong believer in High Float asphalt emulsions and the technology that originated from McConnaughey Emulsions in Lafayette, Indiana. In 1992, Suit-Kote purchased McConnaughey and relocated the business to the Cortland headquarters and consolidated it with the Suit-Kote Research Laboratory. In 2001, Frank, Sr. retired and the business moved forward under the ownership of Frank, Jr. and Paul. Suit-Kote is now 102 years old and serves local communities and industries throughout the Northeast.
Frank, Sr. spent decades involved in local community development and leadership. With gratitude he served and assisted the local Exchange Clubs, the Homer School Board, Greek Peak Ski Racing Program and multiple Homer Athletic Programs.
Frank was fond of all water activities. He was an avid boatsman and particularly loved spending summers at his lake home, with the Fourth of July being his favorite time with family.
Frank, Sr. is survived by Elizabeth Suits, Frank Suits, Jr. (Theresa Suits), Daniel J. Suits (Mary Pat Suits), Elaine Green (Stephen Green) and Paul Suits and a sister, Helen Gates. Frank was known as Popie to his 17 grandchildren and his 10 great grandchildren.
Frank was preceded in death by his father, Harry J. Suits, Sr.; mother, Mary Grace Sullivan; sisters, Patrica Ellison, Helen Dwyer, and Mary Grace, and two brothers, Harry J. Suits, Jr. and William J. Suits.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 on Thursday, June 29, 2023 at St. Margaret’s Church, 14 Copeland Ave., Homer, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Joseph Zareski. Frank will be laid to rest at Glenwood Cemetery.
Memorial Donations can be made to the Francis House, 108 Michaels Ave., Syracuse, NY 13208.
