Frank W Pidgeon

Rotterdam - Frank W. Pidgeon, 69, went home to be with the Lord on May 30, 2014.Born on May 7, 1945, he was the son of Ralph and Jennie (Natale) Pidgeon.He was a man of great faith, a devoted son, brother, husband, father, Papa, uncle, friend, and neighbor whose generosity and compassion enhanced the lives of everyone he met. Frank's greatest blessing was his beloved family.He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 46 years, Nicola (Nicki Ragucci), his children Mark and Joscelyn , son-in-law Mark Clark and grandchildren, Jack Michael and Mia Nicola Clark.He is survived by his devoted brothers and sisters-in-law, Ralph Pidgeon, Richard and Marie Pidgeon and Roma Barbera.Known to friends and loved ones as Bootie, he loved spending time with his nieces and nephews and his great nieces and nephews.He is also survived by his brother- and sister-in-law, Frank and Marcia Ragucci. Frank graduated from Mont Pleasant High School in 1963.He was a talented athlete, quarterback of his football team.He cherished the friendships he made while in high school and cultivated close bonds which continued throughout his life. He received his B.A. in English from the University of Connecticut and an M.A. in Education from The College of Saint Rose.During his teaching career, he earned an S.A.S. Administrative Certificate from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Frank began teaching English at Guilderland High School in 1967.He retired after 35 years of service.He loved his school environment, both in and out of the classroom.Frank inspired his students and was involved in all facets of the school community.A former colleague recently wrote to Frank, " I envied the influence you had to fill kids with enthusiasm and happiness. Whatever reasons inspired you to choose teaching, the result has been changed lives, and hope cultivated in abundance, and laughter.You inspired a generation of teachers and coaches who have had the fortune of witnessing your example and have been compelled by it to reach farther than they otherwise would have." After retiring, Frank served as interim assistant principal and ELA coordinator at Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk Central Schools, as well as Summer School Principal and Assistant Principal in the Schalmont and Mohonasen school districts.He also taught Business Communications at Schenectady County Community College. Frank's children and their friends were blessed to have his guidance, his life lessons, and his wisdom throughout their lives as Frank provided a model of what to do and how to do it. He was a baseball coach for his son's teams and served as President of Niskayuna/Schenectady High School Hockey Parent Association. Frank was a wine maker and a gardener.He wrote restaurant reviews for a local magazine, and he served as a church lector and a member of the Sons of Italy of Schenectady, the Rotterdam Elks, and a volunteer at Proctors Theatre. The family requests no flowers. Contributions may be made to the Tyler DeMarco Foundation, P.O. Box 4807, Schenectady, NY 12304-0807 and City Mission of Schenectady, P.O. Box 760, Schenectady, NY 12301. The calling hours will be at St. John the Evangelist Church on Tuesday, June 3, from 4:00 - 7:00 pm.A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 4, at 10:00 am at St. John the Evangelist Church. Burial will follow at St. Cyril's Cemetery, Rotterdam.