Francis J. Baggetta

HERKIMER – Francis “Fran” J. Baggetta, age 70, of N. Bellinger St., Herkimer, passed away peacefully, on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, at home, with his family by his side.

Fran was born in Lackawanna, NY on March 25, 1955 and raised in Herkimer by his parents Frank and Frances (Adolfo) Baggetta. Immediately welcomed into the family and surrounded by love, Fran grew up close to many cousins. He served as an altar boy in the Catholic Church and matured (only slightly ;) ) being loved for his playful, creative and adventurous ways. Throughout school, and with his love of theater and music, Fran made many friends that would last his lifetime…especially those from class of 1973.

Fran eventually landed in Baltimore, Maryland where his Uncle Vince (Matthew Adolfo) introduced him to and taught him about the professional world of optics. Fran adored his uncle and always felt he owed him for what he was taught. He laughed to the point of tears STILL when he would reminisce about carpooling to work with his uncle and the jokes Uncle Vince would tell. Fran was proud to have learned from him, and to have worked in Annapolis for a short time. At 25 years young, he started his own family and they eventually landed back in Herkimer.

With over forty-five years as an Optician and the past thirty-four years in his own home and business (Francis Baggetta Optician), Fran knew how to help people. His home and business were located fittingly across the street from Saint Francis de Sales Church. ‘Fittingly’ because the patron Saint of this church is Saint Francis of Assisi (he is the patron saint of animals and ecology, revered for treating all of God's creation with respect and kindness).

Fran was undoubtedly known for his stubbornness and love for EVERYONE and all of God’s natural creation (except for spiders!). Fran relished in the fresh air ‘up North’ and camping under the stars with friends and family. He never tired of working in the dirt on Kingsbury Grounds (he called it his therapy). He never held a grudge and would never, knowingly hurt anyone. His ever-present, playful sense of boyish-humor, his love of children, his diehard, old-school professionalism in his office setting, and lovingly, pushy way to educate people about their vision, were the embodiment of his “Kool” character.

Fran’s door was ever open to all, and no one could escape his play on words manner of jest and jokester ways. He cherished family from the time he was a kid at Grandmother’s home on Glen Ave in Little Falls, to the moment he finally joined Jesus. Fran could not have been a better son to his mother Frances. The love he held for each of his children and grandchildren was impenetrable. Fran will be more than missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Surviving family members include his mother, Frances Baggetta; his partner in love, Maria Fiorentino; his children, Jacqueline Greene and her husband, Kristopher, David Baggetta and his wife, Bazhena, and Robert Fiorentino; his grandchildren, James, Juliet, Joseph, and Damira Baggetta; nephews, Patrick and Angelo Baggetta; and many beloved cousins.

He was predeceased by his father, Frank Baggetta; and his brother, Joe Baggetta.

In keeping with Fran’s wishes, there are no public Funeral Services. The family will be having a party in the Spring and will share details closer to that time.

Without the dedicated angels on earth from Hospice, Fran and his family would not have experienced the peaceful transition they did.

In lieu of flowers, as a token of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care, 4277 Middle Settlement Rd., New Hartford, NY 13413.

If you would like to leave a memory of Fran, or add to his online memorial, please go to www.applegateandday.com on the Internet.

The family has entrusted arrangements to Fran’s friend and Funeral Director, Don Applegate, at Applegate, Enea & Ciaccia Funeral Directors, of Herkimer, Ilion, Frankfort and Little Falls. (315-895-7722).