John G FRANCLEMONT
Obituary

JOHN GEORGE FRANCLEMONT
BATAVIA - Renowned Lepidopterist, Professor Emeritus John George Franclemont, Jack to family and friends, age 92, passed away May 26, 2004 after a valiant struggle with bone cancer, surrounded by his loving family at the home of his nephew in Batavia, NY. He was born April 15, 1912 in Buffalo, New York, the eldest son of the late George Henry and the late Mildred Frances (nee Cockram). He was also predeceased by his younger brother, Richard Henry Sr.; and his sister-in-law, Emily Ann (nee Pfaff). He received a BS degree in 1935 and was awarded a Ph. D. in 1953, both from Cornell University.A veteran of WWII, he served as a Mosquito Eradication Specialist in the US Army Medical Corps., attached to the Thirteenth US Army in the Solomon Islands and the Philippines. He was honorably discharged from active duty with the rank of Captain in 1946. He served in the reserves thereafter until 1953, leaving with the rank of Major.He was with the Bureau of Entomology and Plant Quarantine, US Dept. of Agriculture at the Smithsonian Institution from 1947 to 1953. In 1953 he became an Associate Professor of Entomology at Cornell University, and a Full Professor in 1959. He retired in 1977, continuing to teach a course in advanced insect systematics and advising graduate students for several years after retirement. He was known for his superb memory, knowledge of his professional literature, a genuine interest in students, and an excellent sense of humor.During his career, he was the acknowledged authority on Noctuoid Moths of the Western Hemisphere. In his lifetime he wrote 74 publications. He collected specimens, particularly of the macrolepidoptea, throughout the Ithaca, NY, watershed area, as well as NJ, VA, NC, AZ, MT, the Solomon Islands, the Philippines, and Japan.His extensive scientific library and most of his insect collection of an estimated 350,000 specimens, have been given to the Dept. of Entomology at Cornell University. He gave the Pyraloidea and microlepiodoptera to the National Museum of Natural History at the Smithsonian. The Department of Entomology at Cornell University is in the process of endowing a Franclemont Chair in Lepidoptera in his honor.He had many interests and was well rounded in history, music, literature, and natural history, with special emphasis on insects, plants, birds and mammals. He was an avid iris and dog lover. Although he lived most of his adult life in Ithaca, NY, he loved the Southwest and the Far East.He was a past President of the Lepidopterist's Society, as well as a member of at least 18 other Entomological Societies worldwide. He was also a member of Phi Kappa Phi and Sigma Xi.He is survived by three nephews and one niece, Richard H. Jr. (Jacqui, nee Reeves) of Zion, IL, David G. (Virginia, nee Millay) of Chesapeake, VA, Dr. Elaine M. (Eric. Esq.) Artman of Tiberon, CA, and John F. N. (SueEllen, nee Burns) of Batavia, NY; 10 grandnephews and nieces; two great-grandnieces; one great-grandnephew; many colleagues and friends; and his West Highland Terrier, Belle.Per his wishes, no memorial services will be held. Memorials may be made to the Department of Entomology at Cornell University, the Smithsonian Institution, or to the American Cancer Society.
Published in Ithaca Journal on May 27, 2004



Learn more about the life of      John G FRANCLEMONT.

Visit Buffalo, New York, USA
Discover the people who lived there, the places they visited and the stories they shared.