Obituary of Francis P. Coward

SLINGERLANDS - Francis P. Coward, 91, beloved husband of Gretchen K. Coward, died Friday, June 11, 2010. Born in Buffalo on Dec. 12, 1918 he was a graduate of Union College in Schenectady in 1942 with a Bachelor of Arts in Language & Literature, and the University of Buffalo with a Master's in Education. Frank served in the Army Air Force Europe during World War II as an interpreter in French and German. Following the war, Frank taught in Lausanne, Switzerland for two years. He returned to the States and taught at Williamsville High School, outside Buffalo, for 12 years. During this time, Frank had two Fulbright scholarships, one as exchange teacher to Oldenburg, Germany and as a teacher in Vienna for one year. In 1962, he joined the United States Information Agency (now part of the State Department). His postings were 4 years in Chennai, (Madras), South India, 5 years in Bangkok, Thailand and 5 years in Yangon (Rangoon), Burma. Frank retired in 1979 to Rensselaerville, where he was active in community affairs. The last year and a half he resided in Slingerlands. Survivors are his beloved wife of 59 years, Gretchen; his son, Nicholas F. (Vicki) Coward of Alexandria, VA; daughter, Helen (Ronald) Gresch of Baltimore, MD; five grandchildren, Thomas, William, Harry and Kate Coward, and Christopher Gresch; one sister, Marian Page of Hamden, CT; several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be conducted on Monday, June 21 at 2 p.m. at Trinity Church in Rensselaerville. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Trinity Church or the E.N. Huyck Preserve, both in Rensselaerville, NY 12147 will be appreciated. Light a candle at ajcunninghamfh.com.