Frank C. Vavonese

Frank C. Vavonese, age 96, passed away on Saturday, January 23, 2016 at St. Joseph's Hospital surrounded by his children and grandchildren. He was born in California, PA, lived briefly in Rochester before moving to the Northside of Syracuse in his early years where he lived for the rest of his life. He attended and graduated from Syracuse schools. Frank volunteered for service to his country enlisting in the United States Army during WWII serving as a sergeant in Cheyenne, WY and the Alaska Territory. He was extremely proud of his service in the construction of the Alaskan Highway often under brutally cold and inhospitable conditions. Upon his discharge from the Army, he owned and operated The Giant Food Store in Syracuse and The Giant Midstate Market in Bridgeport until his retirement. Frank was a longtime parishioner of Our Lady of Pompei/St. Peter Church in Syracuse where he was an usher and a member of the Holy Name Society. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus ascending to 4th degree, and was a member of the IAAC, The Amacitia Club as well as the Italian Cultural Society. Later in life he was active in various senior citizen groups at Northside parishes and senior centers going on many senior trips, particularly to Auriesville, NY. Frank had a particular fondness for CBA athletics, hardly ever missing any of his children's or grandchildren's games. He could often be found in the stands with his wife Gen proudly wearing his monogramed "CBA Grandparent" jacket in Purple and Gold, no matter the weather. Frank was also a fervent Syracuse University basketball and football fan, often exhorting his team at the top of his lungs next to the radio that was always playing in the back of his store. In the fifties he was a regular viewer of the Gillette Friday night fights, often causing his wife to be concerned for his health because of the partisan enthusiasm he displayed, particularly if a certain Italian American champion from Canastota was being featured. Frank will always be remembered as a truly gentle man of strong faith, an infectious smile and incredible generosity. His beloved wife of 67 years, Genevieve (Sindoni) Vavonese passed away in 2012. He was also predeceased by his parents, Salvatore and Nunzia Vavonese; brothers, Joseph (Laura), Anthony (Jennie), Angelo, Donald, and sister, Catherine (Joseph) McVene, as well as brothers-in-law, Jack McBride and Wesley Kubacki. Frank is survived by his sons, Rev. Charles, Frank (Donna), Stephen (Pamela) and Michael (Betsy), his grandchildren, Frank, Robert, Stephanie, Paul, Michael, Matthew Vavonese, Patrick Hampel, Christopher, Stephanie Scott; several great-grandchildren; sisters, Anna Kubaki, Virginia McBride; sisters-in-law, Rita Vavonese, Betty Vavonese, Antonnette Pitonzo, Susan Sindoni, as well as several nieces and nephews. A special thank you to Sylvia Flores, “Mr. Frank’s” guardian angel and caretaker whose daily visits, love, concern and advocacy displayed with familial love over the last six years provided comfort and security to “Mr. Frank” and his family. A word of praise as well to the staff on unit 1-8 at St. Joseph’s Hospital for their thoughtful care and concern during Frank’s illness. Funeral services will be held at 9:00 am on Friday, January 29, 2016 at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, followed by a Funeral Mass in celebration of Frank’s life at 10:00 am in Our Lady of Pompei/St. Peter Church. Burial will be in Assumption Cemetery. Family and friends may call from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Thursday, January 28, 2016 at the funeral home, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Dominican Monastery, 801 Court St., Syracuse, NY, Our Lady of Pompei/St. Peter Church, 301 Ash St., Syracuse, NY, Christian Brothers Academy, 6245 Randall Rd., Syracuse, NY 13214 or to a favorite charity of choice.

Frank C. Vavonese

May 20, 1919 - January 23, 2016