Francis T. "Fran" Cuda

Francis T. "Fran" Cuda, Esq.
Dolgeville/Little Falls, New York

Mr. Francis T. "Fran" Cuda, Esq., age 79, a lifelong Dolgeville area resident, passed away peacefully early Friday morning, November 19th, 2021 in the comfort of his home.

He was born December 28, 1941. He grew up in the village of Dolgeville, NY where he graduated high school in 1959. He attended Ithaca College, where he received a degree in Music Education, then went on to obtain his Juris Doctorate from Syracuse University in 1969.

Francis was predeceased by his daughter, Jess; parents, Tommy and Angie (Casale) Cuda; brother, Anthony, and sister, Marion Peterson. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Doris; his son, Andre, and his wife Rebecca and granddaughter, Gianna. He also leaves behind many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.

Francis held (and lost) a wide variety of jobs earlier in life, including manufacturer at Daniel Greens, highway sweeper for Herkimer County, claims adjuster and music teacher before discovering his love of the practice of law. Francis served as a dedicated lawyer for the rural community for more than 50 years, and did his utmost to defend each client to the best of his ability. Always wanting to ensure everyone had access to skilled legal representation, he was known to accept payment in a variety of ways, including cuts of venison, boxes of clementine's, tree removal, and odd jobs.

Fran was never particularly fond of his name, and often used more preferred pseudonyms, including but not limited to, Cisco, Francois, Frank and Francisco. He loved to cook and entertain his friends and family, usually sharing stories and songs long into the night over, or under, a Manhattan. His hospitality was only exceeded by his choice of friends.

Please join us for an afternoon of food, storytelling, beverages, tears, and laughter to celebrate Fran, Cisco, Francois, Frank, and Francisco at the Elks Lodge in Little Falls, NY on Saturday, December 18, 2021. Per his request, the day will commence at 12 pm with a cocktail hour in Fran's honor. At 1 pm, we will share memories and celebrate his life and his fellow Elk's will conduct their funeral ritual. Then, at 2 pm (until 4pm), we will sit for food and refreshments. The Cuda family's care has been placed in the trust of Mohawk Valley Funerals and Cremations, 7507 State Route 5, Little Falls (corner of Bidleman Road), 315-508-5131.