Ferenc “Frank” Soos, 88, of Shelburne, MA. With profound sadness, the Soos family announces the passing of He passed away peacefully on Friday (01-22-2021) following complications from a sudden period of declining health.
Frank was born in Hedervar, Hungary on May 7th, 1932, the youngest son of 10 children to Maria (Mikso) and Alajos Soos. He was raised and educated in Hedervar and upon graduation, he served three years in the Hungarian Army assigned to the Tank Division.
In his youth, Frank met Emilia (Winkler) as family friends and the two later dated and were wed on December 27th, 1956 in the historic Salzburg Cathedral, Salzburg, Austria. Due to an uncertain political uprising in Hungary the two, along with 30,000 refugees, fled their country with the support of the United States and the American Red Cross. They eventually decided to settle in Greenfield, MA as a result of a sponsorship from the Second Congregational Church and began a new chapter of their lives as US citizens.
Frank was employed for many years at the former George W. Mount and Miller’s Falls Tool Company. He later discovered what would become his permanent career as Lead Pipe Fitter and Plumbing Supervisor at the former Boston and Maine Railroad in East Deerfield, MA, serving for over 27 years until his retirement.
Upon retirement, Frank and Emilia embraced their new home in Shelburne that he dubbed “The Hilltop”. It was there he found enjoyment of life in the countryside, appreciating the varied wildlife routinely passing through and refining his gardening skills. It was not at all uncommon to see him regularly roaming his property on his lawn tractor in search of his next new project to complete.
What brought Frank his biggest joy and source of pride was his family, both immediate and chosen, along with his fondness of many friendships made throughout the years. He had an infectious smile, an incredible wit, and was always willing to help others. He will be dearly missed by many.
Frank is survived by his wife of 64 years Emilia Soos, his daughter Erika Crocker (Denny Sevene) of Colorado Springs, CO, and his daughter-in-law Louanne Soos of Wendell, MA. He also is survived by his two grandsons Cody Soos (Sarah) of Warwick, MA, and Tanner Soos of Chicopee, MA as well as two twin great-granddaughters Paisley Soos and Lydia Soos of Warwick, MA. He also leaves his three godchildren Judy Douglas of Leyden, MA, Tom Herkner of Greenfield, MA, and Sue Randall of Greenfield, MA.
Frank is predeceased by his parents, siblings in Hungary, and his son Frank Soos Jr.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the amazing doctors and nurses at Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA along with the Shelburne Falls Senior Center staff for their compassionate care, concern, and assistance provided to Frank and the Soos family. We also have the utmost gratitude and appreciation for his Hungarian families and friends, both near and far, who were very close to his heart. He loved you all dearly and was truly blessed by your friendship and willingness to help.
Memorial services will be held at a later date both locally and in Hungary at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations can be made in Frank’s name to either the
Shelburne Falls Senior Center
7 Main St, Shelburne Falls MA 01370 or to the
Two Mile High Club
PO Box 306
Cripple Creek, CO 80813
(www.cripplecreekdonkeys.com).
Frank had a lifelong passion for and an appreciation of donkeys, and the Two Mile High Club is an all-volunteer non-profit organization caring for a historic wild donkey herd, descendants of which worked mines in the gold rush days of Colorado.
