Francis Thomas Lombardi, Sr.

Francis Thomas Lombardi, Sr., 93, formerly of Syracuse, NY, passed away March 17, 2025, in Naples, FL. He was born in Syracuse, son of the late Tarquino and Jennie (Cerio) Lombardi. Francis graduated from the NY Military Academy, and Philips Academy Andover in1950. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Harvard in 1954 and his Doctor of Law Degree from Syracuse University College of Law in 1960. Francis was a pilot with the U.S. Air Force where he flew the European, Middle East, and North African territories from his base in Athens, Greece. Along with his brothers, Francis helped establish Syracuse Tank and Manufacturing, a successful business with multiple manufacturing plants nationwide. In addition, he was CEO of Exec Air, a full service FBO based on Hancock International airfield in Syracuse, NY. Francis was a devout catholic. He enjoyed golf, wrestling, and rugby (he was captain of the Harvard rugby team with friend and classmate Ted Kennedy). Francis was a gourmet cook and had a love of fine wines as well. Opera was a passion for Francis – he was a past president of the Syracuse Opera Guild and a past season ticket holder at the Metropolitan Opera in NYC. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his daughter, Savaria in 1987, and siblings, Sarah Pietrafesa, Jack Lombardi and Tarky Lombardi, Jr. Francis is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Angela (Romagnoli) Lombardi; his children: Francis Lombardi II (Caroline) of Skaneateles, NY, Maria Lynch (Jeffrey) of Lenox, MA, John Lombardi (Elaina Pirro) of North Syracuse, NY, Angela Przybylowicz (Paul) of Olympia, WA and Cristina Romig (Thomas) of Honeoye Falls, NY. He also leaves behind his grandchildren: Francis Lombardi III (Gabriella), Malcolm Lombardi, Eva Lombardi, Mark Lombardi, Savaria Lombardi, Cristina Lynch, Alexandra Lynch, William Lynch, Augustino Lombardi, Daphne Przybylowicz, Bo Przybylowicz, Lt. Thomas Romig, Jr. and Peter Romig; one great grandson, Francis Hector Lombardi; his sister-in-law, Marianne Lombardi; along with many nieces and nephews. A funeral Mass in celebration of Francis’ life will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 10:30 am in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Church, 259 E. Onondaga St., Syracuse, NY. Francis will be laid to rest in the Lombardi Family Mausoleum at Assumption Cemetery. Family and friends may call from 4:00 – 6:00 pm on Friday, March 28, 2025, at THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY 13212. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Pulmonary Unit at Mass General Hospital in Boston at https://giving.massgeneral.org/donate or the Pavarotti Museum of Naples, FL at https://ci.ovationtix.com/36391/store/donations/43320

Francis Thomas Lombardi, Sr.

November 16, 1931 - March 17, 2025