Francis "Frank" W. Youmell, 84, Brasher Falls

BRASHER FALLS – Francis “Frank” W. Youmell, 84, a talented diesel mechanic and skilled tractor repairman, passed away on September 1, 2024. He was born on March 22, 1940, in Brasher Falls, son of the late Myron F. and Marion E. (Steenberg) Youmell. He married the love of his life, Glenda E. Page at St. Lawrence Church in North Lawrence on October 27, 1962. They shared a blessed union for over 62 years. 

Frank worked for VS Jerry’s and Sons Equipment and then went to ALCOA in 1966, joining their Fleet Mechanics where he was their go-to guy, fixing anything and everything from small to heavy equipment.

He was a communicant of St. Lawrence Church, a member of the old Brasher Fire Department and was instrumental in the unification with the Winthrop Fire Department into the Brasher-Winthrop Fire Department, where he served as a Fire Commissioner. With his wife and others, they were able to start the Tri Town Rescue Squad. 

He served as Constable for the Town of Brasher, was a member of the Mink Brook Hunting Club, Quad-Town Senior Citizens, Retreads Motorcycle Club and the TriTown Trailblazers snowmobile club based out of the “Pit” at Ward’s Hotel in Brasher Falls. 

As a tractor enthusiast, he restored and repaired many tractors. His pride is his restored Farmall Super C, which those who knew Frank would see him out in the winter, cleaning off his neighbors’ driveways and mailboxes, and pulling floats in the summer Brasher parades. 

He was known as “MacGyver” in the community for his ability to invent, create, and build whatever was needed, including his own creative design to build chicken pluckers for friends farming and processing large flocks of chickens each summer. 

His consideration for his neighbors by checking on their welfare and helping where needed, is an action all of us should follow. He loved his family, and their adventures will never be forgotten by them. His family shared him with the community, which he was so proud of, and those who had the opportunity to meet him will never forget his kindness.

Frank is survived by his wife, Glenda, his daughters, Terry Youmell of Rochester, Paula Youmell of Hannawa, Virginia “Ginny” Youmell of Lafayette, his grandsons Jakob and Elijah Schechter, his brother, Paul and Helen (Empey) Youmell of Brasher Falls, a cousin, whom he loved and considered his sister, Kathleen (Youmell) Empey, and his many beloved cousins, in-laws, nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Friday from 4-7 PM at Hammill Funeral Home in Winthrop. His Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday at 11 AM at St. Patrick Church in Brasher Falls, followed by burial in the parish cemetery.

The family has declined flowers but wish to have donations in his memory to Brasher Winthrop Fire Department, A Little Bit of Heaven horse rescue in North Lawrence, or the Potsdam Humane Society.

Memories can be shared with his family at www.hammillfh.com.