Francis Daniel Larkin

F.Daniel Larkin, Dan to all who knew him, left this world a better place on October 1, 2015. Dr. Larkin was born in Rome, New York on October 27th, 1938 to Francis Larkin and Francis Pliniski. He spent his youth in Rome, on the banks of the Erie Canal, which would feature prominently in his future. Upon graduating from Rome Free Academy he began his long term association with the SUNY College System. He took great pride in his BS in education from SUNY Brockport, his MS in Social Studies and his MA in history from SUNY Albany, and in 1976 Dan earned his Doctorate from the State University of New York at Albany.

In 1965 he began what would be a career of 50 years at the State University of New York at Oneonta. Dan held many positions at SUCO but he was most proud of his title of professor. He began as a professor of history, teaching many courses including one in New York State History. In 1981 he served as Chair of the Department of History, which he held for 6 years. 1987 he became Interim Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Programs, for the State University New York SUNY System Administration, Albany NY. 1990-1995 he served as Department chair again. 1995 he served as Dean of Academic Support Services for SUCO. In 1999 he become interim Provost and Vice President for academic affairs. In 2002,he was officially named Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. While in administration he continued following his passion of teaching. Dr. Larkin was awarded a SUNY-Wide Rank of Distinguished Service Professor, the highest honor in the SUNY system. Along with teaching he published many books, including JohnB. Jervis: An American Engineering Pioneer, New York StateCanals: A Short History, and Pioneer American Railroads: The Mohawk & Hudson and Saratoga & Schenectady. He also contributed articles to text books and other publications. Dan also did some work as a commentator for the History Channel Video about the Erie Canal and also for a PBS video entitled “The Natural Corridor:New York’s Transportation History”.

Dr. Larkin often contributed to his community and was the first treasurer and a member of the Board of Directors for SUNY Oneonta Children’s Center,Inc.. He was a member of the New York State Board of Tourism Commissioners, responsible for the original “I Love NY” campaign. He enjoyed teaching college-level history courses at Medical Coaches, Inc in Oneonta,. He contributed to many organizations such as Albany Institute of History and Art, Canal Society of New York State, Greater Oneonta Historical Society, New York State Historical Association, Oneida County Historical Society and Society for the History of Technology.

When Dan wasn’t working he was an avid collector. He enjoyed collecting and showing antique cars. He took pride in his collection of guns and coins. He was an outdoorsman and continued to cut his own wood up until his illness stopped him. Dan had a wealth of knowledge and was always generous with it, with story after story. He was a loving husband, a wonderful father, and a proud grandfather.

Dan was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his loving, supportive wife of 50 years, Grace Larkin, his eldest daughter Katherine Larkin, her husband Steve Showers and children Molly and James and his youngest daughter Susan Gillette, her husband Brian, and their children Kendall and Peyton, his brother Richard Larkin, his wife Geri, and their children Robert and Kelly, and cousins Don and Cindi Pliniski. During his illness he was supported by many close friends and colleagues, including his frequent visitors Alan Donovan and Art Dauria. Dan was grateful for all the years that he had and made the most of every opportunity! He touched the lives of students, colleagues, friends and family helping to encourage the best in every individual.

A funeral mass will be offered on Tuesday, October 6, 2015 at 10:15 am in St. Mary’s Church, 39 Walnut Street, Oneonta with the Rev. David Mickiewicz, officiating.

Interment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Emmons.

Friends may call on Monday, October 5, 2015 from 6 to 8 PM at the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, 14 Grand Street, Oneonta at which time the family will be in attendance.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dan’s memory to the College at Oneonta Foundation for the Dr. F. Daniel and Grace E. Larkin Scholarship, and mailed to the Office of College Advancement, SUNY Oneonta, 308 Netzer Administration Building, Oneonta, NY 13820.

Condolences to the family may be made online by visiting our website: www.grummonsfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are by the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home of Oneonta.