Obituary of Francis G. Kitchen

Francis G. Kitchen “Sparky” 86, of Clinton, NY, passed away peacefully at Waterville Residential Care Center on June 19, 2026, after a life well lived. Born in Vernon, NY on August 19, 1939, he was a son of Lincoln G. Kitchen and Edith Clark Kitchen. He was united in marriage to the love of his life Dorothy J. Yager on August 20, 1960, together they shared a wonderful life and two cherished children.

He was a jack of all trades and always kept himself busy. He was employed as a truck driver for Fred Borrows for many years where he was a beloved employee. Sparky was proud of his trucking career and prided himself on the many miles racked up on his truck, he enjoyed days on the road listening to his favorite tunes. He was also employed by Davy Tree Service; his work ethic and kind personality made him a valued and well-liked employee and coworker in his time there. He grew up working on the farm and still had a great deal of farming in his roots, likely his passion for hard work stemmed from many days on the farm.

He loved dirt track racing, known as “Fabulous Fran Kitchen” he was a local crowd favorite. He loved the thrill of the race and tinkering with his car, but what he loved the most was the fans and the roar of the crowd. Racing was in his blood he enjoyed not only participating in it, but also going to Utica Rome Speedway to watch races, local car shows and watching NASCAR; if cars were involved, Sparky was in his element. He also enjoyed car rides with no particular destination, although he was always happiest when he came across waterfalls.

He could often be found riding his bike along Skyline Drive taking in the beautiful views he also loved walking through the woods enjoying all of nature’s beauty. He had a fun personality and never met a stranger; if you were lucky enough to meet Sparky you instantly loved him. He was humble, kind, and quick witted; he had  a great sense of humor and could always make you smile.  Sparky had many joys in his lifetime, but he always felt the most blessed by his family and the life they created. He gave the best hugs and was the most loved father, grandfather, and great grandfather.

He is survived by his son Harold (Sandra) Kitchen of Cassville, NY; daughter Kim (John) Curtis of Holland Patent, NY; grandchildren Michael (Sarah) Kitchen , Alisha (Adam) Secor, Stephen Kitchen (Amanda Woods); great grandchildren Elana and Nolan Kitchen and Adelyn and Abel Secor; Brother Frank “Rollin”  (Jane) Kitchen; sister Elizabeth Pylman sisters-in-law Esther Kitchen, Lynn Kelley, and Betty Reese; many nieces and nephews; lifetime partner in crime Noky Rolewicz. He was predeceased by his wife Dorothy Kitchen; his parents Lincoln and Edith Kitchen; brothers Sam and Eugene Kitchen; sisters Mary Erickson, Catherine Crosby, and Annie Hunt.

Friends and family are invited to calling hours on Monday June 29, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Owens-Pavlot & Rogers Funeral Service, 35 College St. Clinton, NY a funeral service will follow at noon. Burial will take place at Kirkland Prospect. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to a Parkinson’s Disease charity of your choice.

The family would like to thank the wonderful nurses and staff at Waterville Residential Care Center for the care and compassion shown to Sparky, they have become like family.

See you later alligator.