Francis T. Karakla

1928 – 2017

FEEDING HILLS – Francis T. Karakla, 89, passed away Tuesday in the Farren Care Center in Montague, with his family and caregivers by his side. Frank was born in Feeding Hills and has lived here his entire life. He was a Firefighter for the Town of Agawam and after retirement he worked at St. Anne's Country Club for many years. He was very proud of his Polish heritage. He loved Polka Music, especially dancing to it, was a charter member of the Polish American Club in Feeding Hills and member of the Polish American Citizens Club of Ludlow. He was an avid fan of NASCAR and never missed a race. He also loved doing yard work and working in gardens. He would never sit still, but instead found something to fix or build. He was predeceased by his first wife Dorothy (Pelczar) Karakla; a daughter Evelyn Legree and granddaughter Nicole Karakla. He leaves his wife Ann (Leganza) Karakla; two sons Anthony and Dr. Daniel Karakla and his wife Lou; a sister Bernice Sobinski; brother Clem; grandchildren Christopher Legree, Andrew Karakla and his wife Miki, Natalie Johnson and her husband Brent; a brother-in-law Ronald Leganza and his wife Peg and numerous nieces and nephews. Besides his wife, daughter and granddaughter, Frank was also predeceased by siblings Edward and Wallace Karakla, Valeria Zukowski and Helen Zera and a son-in-law William Legree. The family would like to offer a special "Thanks" to all the staff at Farren, especially the nurses and CNA's working in the Sequoia Unit, for the wonderful, compassionate care given to Frank during his stay there. They were like family to him. The funeral will be held at the Agawam Curran-Jones Funeral Home Saturday at 10:30am followed by burial in St. Joseph's Cemetery in Suffield. Visiting hours will be held prior to the funeral home service on Saturday from 9:00-10:30am. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Agawam Fire Department or to the Alzheimer's Association.