Francis Emil Dirolf

Francis Emil Dirolf, 94, passed away on February 11, 2023. He was the son of the late Emil and Rosina Dirolf, who immigrated from Germany after WWI. Frank was born and raised in Albany, N.Y. Growing up, he loved playing ball with the neighborhood gang. He graduated from Vincentian Institute and enlisted in the US Army, serving in Korea. After his honorable discharge, Frank attended Veterans Vocational School under the GI Bill, training as an auto mechanic. Frank always loved cars and owned his own business, Lexington Auto Service, for over 60 years, repairing automobiles and doing amazing body work, finally retiring at 86 years of age. Frank married the love of his life, Peg Biggar, and together they raised 5 children. They built their first home, a ranch in Loudonville. He could build and fix anything and prided himself on being self-sufficient. His family spent summer weekends at Sacandaga Lake with many close friends, enjoying days boating, campfires, playing horseshoes and drinking beer. He enjoyed family time including monthly birthday dinners and holiday celebrations. In his earlier years, he enjoyed Friday nights with friends. Frank caught the golfing bug later in life and loved playing and watching the game. Cross country ski trips in the Adirondacks with friends were also special times. Frank was a faithful parishioner of St. Pius X Church. He cherished family breakfasts after Mass each week, knowing everyone’s favorite donut. Frank was predeceased by his brother and his wife, George and Joan Dirolf, his brothers-in-law, Charles and John Biggar and sister-in-law, Mary Biggar. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Margaret (Peg) Dirolf and children, Frank (Mary Ellen) Dirolf, Jim (Jolene) Dirolf, Carol Hausamann, Tricia (Parke) Brown, and Marianne (Bob) Augstell. He was “Papa” to 12 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Patricia (Thomas) Hitt and Patricia Biggar, and many nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends may call from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, February 16, 2023, at the St. Pius X Chapel, 23 Crumitie Road, Loudonville. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Friday, February 17, 2023 at St. Pius X Church. Frank’s family would like to thank the caregivers at Schuyler Ridge Nursing Home and Community Hospice who supported Frank these last few months. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Sacred Heart Food Pantry, 33 Walter St., Albany, NY, or Sr. Maureen Joyce Center, 369 Livingston Ave., Albany, NY.

Francis Emil Dirolf

November 5, 1928 - February 11, 2023