Henie (Rynski) Zabinski Frankovic

ALBANY-Henie Frankovic, 90, passed away on June 30, 2026. She was the daughter of the late Henry and Florence Rynski, and sister to the late Richard Rynski. Henie was born on January 19, 1936, in the Bronx, New York. As a child, she moved with her family to Albany, where she would spend the rest of her life. She attended Philip Livingston School and Albany High School. Her first job after graduating was as a bookkeeper at H. Horton, and she went on to work as a secretary at Albany Office Interiors and as a waitress at the Polish Community Center. Henie met her first husband, Frank Zabinski, at a Polish picnic, while he was working as a carpenter for her grandfather’s home-building business. Frank was one of twelve children. The two were married at St. Casimir’s Church on Sheridan Avenue in Albany, and in the early years of their marriage lived with Frank’s mother on Second Street, where they later welcomed three children: Patty, Ted, and Jim. Frank worked as a carpenter and later as a hotstick lineman and foreman for Niagara Mohawk, and served as President of IBEW Local 137; together, he and Henie also co-owned Zabinski’s Market alongside Frank’s brothers in the early 1960s. The couple bought their first home on Myrtle Avenue in Albany, which Frank — ever skilled with his hands — renovated himself, and which Henie kept immaculate, decorated, and always welcoming. The doors of the Zabinski household were never closed to family or friends, and Henie was, by all accounts, the perfect hostess. She and Frank loved dancing polkas together and even won a competition at Hunter Mountain. The family later moved to Guilderland. Frank passed away in 1989, and Henie was devastated by the loss. Her family supported her through every step of her grief. In 1996, Henie married Albert “Al” Frankovic, who worked in Land Surveying for NYSDOT. Together they traveled widely — to Hawaii, France, Poland, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy — and built a happy life together in Latham, New York. Al passed away in 2024. Henie moved to Shaker Pointe Independent Living, where she continued the hobbies she loved throughout her life: gardening and flowers. She filled urns at the entranceway with blooms of her own choosing, and even modeled in two fashion shows at the senior living center. She also volunteered alongside Al at South Albany Airport, helping with landscaping and flowers there as well. Throughout her life, Henie also took great pride in keeping the traditions of her Polish heritage alive, including hosting Wigilia, the traditional Polish Christmas Eve celebration, for her family. In an era when women were so often financially dependent on a man, Henie built her own independence too, working hard alongside the wonderful men who shared her life. She was the best role model her family could have asked for: a wonderful daughter, wife, mother, and friend. Henie was a loving and devoted mother to her three children: Patty Barnes-Bernhard (Bob Bernhard), Ted (Kathy) Zabinski, and Jim (Terri) Zabinski. She was a proud Babci to six grandchildren: Kristina Zabinski, Josh (Liz) Barnes, Frank (Maria) Zabinski, Daniel Bernhard, Dakota Callaschai, and Amber (Ryan) Koehler, and a delighted Pra Babci to eleven great-grandchildren: Mila Zabinski, Connor Barnes, Theodore Zabinski, Emma Barnes, Ava Zabinski, Liza Johnson, Micah (Leah) Koehler, Livia Koehler, Huxley Callaschai, Kyla Koehler, and Clara Koehler. She is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Visiting hours will be held Thursday at 9:30 AM at McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 N. Allen Street, Albany, NY 12206. Henie’s Funeral Service will follow at 11:00 AM in the funeral home. Please enter the funeral home from the rear parking lot entrance only. The Rite of Committal will follow the Service in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, Colonie, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org. Henie will continue to be loved and missed by all who knew her. To leave a message for the family or view other helpful services please visit www.mcveighfuneralhome.com.

Tributes

Henie (Rynski) Zabinski Frankovic

January 19, 1936 - June 30, 2026