Rev. Frederick Wallace FRANCISCO, 87, of Wellsville, NY,
Rev. Frederick Wallace FRANCISCO, 87, of Wellsville, NY, passed away from this life into the waiting arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ, on Monday, October 19, 2026. Born August 24, 1939, in Wellsville, he was the son of Wallace J. and Jane Maxine Knapp Francisco. On June 30, 1962, in Darien Center, he married Faith E. Rickford, who predeceased him on March 22, 2007.
A graduate of Belmont Central School, he served honorably with the US Navy. Fred was actively involved in his family’s dairy farming business before answering the call to ministry. He began his pastoral ministry at Dalton Assembly of God and went on to serve faithfully for 33 years at Riverside Assembly of God in Wellsville until his retirement in 2011.
In addition to his pastoral ministry, Fred faithfully served the New York Ministry Network as Southern Tier Presbyter for 16 years from 1995 – 2011. In recognition of his years of dedicated service and commitment to the Network, he was named Honorary Presbyter in 2012, a role he held until his death. Fred’s life was marked by his love for the Lord, his dedication to ministry, and his faithful service to the churches and ministers he served throughout the years. His legacy of faith and commitment to God’s calling will continue to live on in the lives of those he touched. He will be deeply missed. While his passing leaves a great void, those who knew and loved him find comfort in the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ, whom Fred faithfully served throughout his life.
Surviving are: three sons, John (Kimberly) Francisco of Belmont, David (Michelle) Francisco of Belmont, and Rex (Tina) Francisco of Scio; a daughter, Danielle (Stephanie) Francisco of Wellsville; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a brother, William (Marie) Francisco of Bath; two sisters, Beverly Brooks of Rochester and Edith Francisco of Maine; his close companion, Doris Ann Lehman of Belmont; nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by a grandson, Kristopher R. Francisco.
Friends may call Friday, October 23, 2026, from 1:00 – 4:00 and 6:00 – 8:00 PM at Riverside Assembly of God Church, 3218 Riverside Drive, Wellsville, where a Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2026 at 11:00 AM. Rev. Rory Dudley and Rev. David Nuzzolo will co-officiate. Burial will be in Forest Hills Cemetery, Belmont.
Memorials may be made to Riverside Assembly of God Church, 3218 Riverside Drive, Wellsville, NY 14895.
Arrangements are under the direction of Olney-Foust & Embser Funeral Homes & Cremation, 34 West State St., Wellsville.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day.”
— 2 Timothy 4:7–8
