Obituary of Francis L. Kahler

Clifton Park- Francis L. Kahler 91, of Clifton Park, went home to be with his Lord on Thursday, May 31, 2012. Fran was born in Chichester, NY, son of the late Clinton and Ida Fichtner Kahler. He graduated from Hunter-Tannersville High School in 1939, Fran went to join the General Electric Apprentice Course from 1940 to 1944. He then enlisted in the U S Navy in 1944 and was Honorably discharged as a Machinist Mate Second Class in 1946. Fran then worked for G.E. as a Designer and Draftsman from 1946 to 1949. He then went on to continue his education and received a B A in Vocal and Church Music in 1953 from Barrington College, RI, and a Bachalor of Music Ed-Instructional Music, Magna Cum Laude, in 1955 from Hartt College of Music, Hartford, CT. In 1954 Fran began his Teaching Career in Music in Enfield, CT, Warwick, RI, and Barrington, RI till 1968. He then received his Master in Music Education in 1968 from University of CT. From 1968 to 1970 he was Band Director at North Syracuse HS, Syracuse, NY and from 1970 until his retirement in 1986 he was Band Director for the Shenendehowa School District at the High School and at Karigon-Orenda Elem School. Fran was a member of the National Assoc of Instrument Repair Tech's, member of the Boad of Directors of RI Music Ed Assoc. He was Director of Music at Calvary Temple, Hartford, CT, Ruggles St. Baptist Church, Boston, MA, North Kingston Baptist Church, N.Kingston, RI, North Syracuse Baptist Church, N. Syracuse, NY and East Glenville Comm. Church, Scotia, NY.Fran was also a member of NEA, NYSTA , MENC, NYSMTS, National Band Assoc., Modern Music Masters Society, National Music Honor Society, and a member of First Presbyterian Church in Schenectady. Survived by his loving wife of 56 years Dorothy Grob Kahler: 3 sons, Dean ( Kim), Timothy ( Cathy), Todd ( Amy); grandchildren, Courtney, Ashley, Joshua, Jacob, Daniel, Elisa, Samantha, Michael, Kylie and the late April. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Funeral service on Thursday at 10 AM at First Presbyterian Church in Schenectady. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday from 7 PM to 9 PM at Jones Funeral Home, 1503 Union St., (at McClellan St.). Burial will follow in Memory Garden's, Colonie. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Fran's memory to the Band Dept McKeel Christian Academy, 36-38 Sacandaga Rd., Scotia, NY 12302.