Frank P. Discenza's Obituary
Surrounded by the love and comfort of his family, Frank P. Discenza, 70, of Fayetteville, NY, passed away following a valiant battle against cancer.
Frank leaves behind many who loved him – and whom he deeply loved and treasured – including his wife of 27 years, Kimberly (Potts) Discenza, daughter Amy (Kevin Fagan) Discenza, sons Michael (Beth) Discenza and Dan (Emily) Discenza, grandchildren Mila and Lucas, siblings Angela (Jim) Albanese and Dan (John Alden, Jr.) Discenza, brother-in-law Thomas (Nina) Potts, Jr., niece, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins, and the mother of his children, Liz (Chip) Lockwood.
Born and raised in Syracuse, Frank attended Henninger High School and graduated with a B.S. degree in Business from Le Moyne College. A highly accomplished CPA, Frank served as Managing Partner at the Syracuse accounting firm Testone, Marshall & Discenza (TMD). TMD merged with The Bonadio Group in 2015, where Frank led the firm’s Small Business Advisory Group and most recently became a member of the Senior Counsel. For over 40 years, Frank advised privately held companies in construction, real estate, and healthcare, while playing a major role in mentoring staff and advancing the firm’s financial systems. His professional affiliations included AICPA, NYSSCPA, Construction Financial Management Association and the Central New York Estate Planning Council.
His greatest happiness came from his personal relationships. Those whose lives he touched knew Frank as a trustworthy ally who put the needs of others first and always focused on doing the right thing. Extremely no-nonsense, yet deeply sentimental, Frank was compassionate, generous, and more than willing to share his time, advice, and support. Few who knew him escaped his sharp observations and even sharper wit. Frank’s smile, good nature, and sense of humor drew strangers close and friends even closer.
His life’s joys were many, led by spending time with his wife, family, and precious grandchildren. Others included golfing, traveling, savoring delicious meals and wines, early morning treadmill runs, strolling Florida beaches, and playing with his beloved dogs, Trudy, Luca, and Dexter.
A man of great character and deep faith, Frank was a communicant of The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. He was a past Board Member of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and the ESF College Foundation. Frank was also a member of Rescue Mission Legacy Committee, CenterState CEO, and other organizations, as well as a CNY Multiple Sclerosis Resources honoree.
Loved ones who have gone before Frank include his parents, Isadore “Izzy” and Mary (Militi) Discenza, and mother- and father-in-law Joye (Platt) Potts and Thomas Potts, Sr.
The family extends their deep gratitude to the physicians, nurses, and staff who provided care and support throughout Frank’s health challenges, in particular, the team at NYU Perlmutter Cancer Center, Upstate Hospital at Home, and Nascentia Healthcare.
Calling hours will take place on Tuesday, November 8, 2022, from 3:00 – 7:00 pm at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY 13212. A funeral Mass in celebration of Frank’s life will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday, November 9, 2022, at The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 259 E. Onondaga St., Syracuse. Interment is private.
In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome at the NYU Langone Brain Metastasis Innovation Research Fund, make checks payable to “Dept. of Neurosurgery c/o BMIRF”, NYU Langone Health, c/o Ms. A. O’Connor, 530 First Ave., Ste. 8R, NY, NY 10016.
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