Aniello J. "Neal" Angrisano

Mr. Aniello J. “Neal” Angrisano, age 78, of Frankfort, passed away on Monday, August 13, 2012 at The Pines at Utica with his loving family by his side. Born in Utica on October 1, 1933, Aniello was a son of the late Joseph R. and Antoinette “Nettie” (Mondi) Angrisano. Raised and educated locally, he was a graduate of Utica Free Academy. A proud veteran of the United States Army, he honorably served his country while stationed in Nuremberg, Germany and California. Neal was a master Tool & Die maker and owner of the West Frankfort Machine Shop. Along with his father, he also owned the West Frankfort Gun Shop. He had a heartfelt love of the Quarter Horse, a favorite ranch, race, and rodeo breed of equines. Neal’s daughter, Erin, has composed the following tribute to her father: “Thank you so much to everyone for all your prayers. My family and I are truly lucky to have you in our lives. A special thank-you to my best friend, Becky, for being there for me. I am so honored that you were there, holding my dad’s hand and comforting us all during his last breath. The earliest memory I have of my dad is when I was about 4 years old, sitting on his lap, eating pistachio nuts and watching Bonanza. In kindergarten, anytime I didn’t want to go to school, he’d let me stay home with him and eat peanut M&Ms all day. I also remember all of our quality time spent together in the bar at the Owl’s Inn. He may not have set the greatest example for a pre-school girl all the time, but from him I learned how life SHOULD be lived. My dad kicked death’s butt more times than anyone I know. When he was 50 he had a massive stroke and the doctors said it was unlikely that he’d ever walk again. He not only walked, but drove, hunted, fished, 4-wheeled, and rode a horse… all without the use of the right side of his body. 25 years later he was tested by fate again and lost his speech and the use of his one good leg. He again tested his misfortune and took up one-handed guitar lessons. He taught me how to bait a hook, clean a rifle, ride a horse, and hitch a trailer. He taught me that John Wayne was God, the Mets and Bills are NY’s finest, a 357 is handy in chipmunk populations, and Jamboree in the Hills t-shirts are ALWAYS in fashion. He also taught me that when you want something you can’t let any excuses get in your way. If you want it, don’t stop until you get it. If you get thrown off, you have to get right back in the saddle. He taught me that life is beautiful. I will always remember him for his strength and determination. His example is the reason I never give up. The last thing he taught me is that in life there does come a time when you have to let go. It’s not giving up, but proudly looking back on all of your accomplishments and knowing with satisfaction that you gave your all. He was my hero and I’m so proud that I got to call him Dad”. Neal is survived by his daughter, Erin Angrisano; his step-daughters Kelly, Stacey, and Tracy; granddaughter, Laela Reeder, and step-grandchildren. He also leaves his sisters, Nicoletta Fiorentino of New Hartford, and Elaine A. Angrisano of Frankfort; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and lifelong friend, Anthony Dichiera and wife Marguerite. He was predeceased by his sister and brother-in-law, Vincenza P. “Chancey” and Thomas R. “Tom” Gelfuso; special nephew Eugene Fiorentino, Jr.; and brother-in-law Eugene Fiorentino, Sr. Special thanks are offered to The Pines at Utica, and Neal’s nephew, Louis Gelfuso and his wife Kim, for the special care they provided to Neal over the years. Visitation will be held Sunday from 11:00-1:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. Neal’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Sunday afternoon at 1:00 at the funeral home immediately upon conclusion of visitation. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Aniello J. "Neal" Angrisano

October 1, 1933 - August 13, 2012