Albert Francis Hurd

Cato Albert Francis (Fran) Hurd, passed quietly in his sleep Friday, April 24, 2015 after a long stay in a local nursing home at the age of 90. Born on the family farm in Cato, the location became his lifelong home. He studied in Syracuse and graduated from Blodgett High School in 1943. He served briefly in the Air Corp. with honorable discharge. Fran was an active member of the Cato Fire Department and was Fire Chief for a period of time as well as building and racing stock cars with a test track on the farm, he was also an experienced aviator and barnstormer. He flew in the Adirondack Mountains spraying for black flies successfully for several years. Fran was a master mechanic and retired from the George Kranze Company of Cato in 1978. In his retirement he was active in the Cato CIViC Heritage donating his time and materials to the archives. Fran is survived by his adoring wife Gloria, of 69 years; son, James Hurd of Cato and grandson Warren Hurd of Rochester. A Memorial Service will be announced at a later date and time, to be held at Keysor Funeral Service, 11362 South St., Cato. Burial will be in Union Hill Cemetery, Cato. www.keysorfuneralhomes.com