Mrs. Frances L. (Pedone) Pandolf

UTICA – Mrs. Frances L. “Frannie” (Pedone) Pandolf, age 95, peacefully passed and was reunited with her husband Phil on Friday, February 25, 2022, with those she loved most held in her heart. Frances was born on January 9, 1927, to the late Julio and Gaetana (Mutalo) Pedone. She and her children also knew the love of her stepmother, Francesca (Zammiello) Pedone. Frannie was raised and educated locally in Utica Schools. On November 4, 1950, Frannie was blessed to marry the love of her life, Philip M. Pandolf. Theirs was a beautiful union of 71 years. She had entrusted her heart to Philip, the man who was her perfect match. Those blessed to witness their love fondly remember how she would acknowledge him as “the King of her Kingdom.” Frances had missed Philip dearly since his passing on June 15, 2021. Their children have peace knowing that these two soulmates finally are together again, and consider this a blessing. Frannie’s career began at General Electric Company on Bleecker Street, where she was an Assembler. After that, her path shifted as she accepted employment in the Housekeeping Department at St. Joseph Nursing Home. Although she was positioned in the Housekeeping Department, Frannie also gave her heart to the residents and was many times an advocate for their needs. To Frances, no one who entered her home was considered a stranger. She had a heart full of unconditional love and compassion, which she poured out on others through her cooking and hospitality. As a hostess, Frannie was unmatched! Often, she would send guests home with “to-goes.” Her kitchen was her domain, her home was her castle, and Frances loved life and people. She was truly a benefactress to many, using her best skills to shower her spirit on others. As a mom, she was extremely nurturing and gave a fine example to her children of how to live a wonderful life. Frances lived simply, leaving behind her children as the legacy of which she was most proud. She always wanted her loved ones to be healthy and well. Her children admired her countless virtues, her charisma, her protective nature, her ability to stand her ground, and they enjoyed her fun side! The magical two-family home on Mohawk Street saw more action and recollections than can possibly be recounted. Frances also enjoyed visiting the Casino, finding it an enjoyable pastime and an opportunity to dine out. Additionally, she loved shopping at Wegmans to find the best foods to prepare in her dishes, which were genuine delights. Whether she was out on a jaunt or in the home, Frannie was well put-together in both attire and mindset – everything had to match, and God forgive her if she wasn’t wearing her “rouge”! Frances, with her magnetic personality, exhibited an accepting heart for others. She was one in a million, and those who love her know it would be hard to find a woman like her again. She had an inspiring spirituality, she prayed often and loved the Lord, with whom she had a deep connection. This relationship brought her comfort, and her children consider themselves blessed to have witnessed this quality in their mom. When Frannie and Phil were well and able, they loved to attend Mass, and found it renewing. She was a parishioner at St. Mary of Mount Carmel Church/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Frances is survived by her devoted and caring sons and daughters-in-law, Philip J. and Kahway “Kay” Pandolf; and David A. and Christine “Chrissy” Pandolf. Frances leaves behind beloved grandchildren, Kari and Thomas Moloney, and Patrick and Gabrielle Crimmins; as well as her great-grandchildren, Aidan Moloney, and Brett Crimmins. Frances will be held in the hearts of her sister, Donna (Pedone) Merhib (and her late husband Frank); as well as her brother, John Pedone (and his late wife Mary). Frances was preceded by her sister, Philomena Pedone; and her brother and sister-in-law, John G. “Jack” and Lucy Pedone. Frances will be fondly remembered by her nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great-nephews, Lisa Reich and her children, Taylor and Brianna Reich; Renee and Andy Trojnar, and their sons John, and Drew; Francine and Al Young, and their son Brandon; Donna Marie and David Sprague; Michael Merhib and Tatiana, and his children Anastasia, and Nicholas; and Rosemary Tarnowski and JC Pantola. Additionally, Frances will be missed by her cousins, Danny and Carmelita Vanno, Anna Rose Sanzone, Russell Spina, Michele Seakan, RoseAnn Sanzone, Michael Sanzone, and Loretta Spina. Frances leaves behind her lifelong friend Diane Furgol, and a dear and trusted person in her life, Pam Nigro. She also spent many great times with Ken and Ling Szeto, and their family, Nasana Szeto, Waiyee (who was her goddaughter) and husband Joe Kennedy, and their daughter, Kiana Kennedy. Frances was predeceased by her niece, Antoinette “Toni” Carbone; her nephew, Frankie Merhib; and she always held in her heart the memories she shared with her in-laws, Philip and Rosie (Spina) Pandolf – the couple with whom Frances and her husband Phil had shared that special home on Mohawk Street, whom she loved dearly and held a great closeness. Frances held in her heart the memories of Richard and Maryrose Azzarito, with whom she shared many laughs and unforgettable times. Frannie was blessed to be cared for by a compassionate group of nurses and aides at Clark North, to whom the family wishes to express their gratitude. It was an experience for her to get to know the entire staff at MVHS Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, from the administration and caregivers to the fellow residents, and to all the others who are too many to mention. Frannie was beloved by all and referred to as “Grandma.” Her family will be forever grateful for all that was included in her incredible care – it was an embracing experience. The family honored and commemorated Frances’s life at a private time. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, online at www.stjude.org/donate - Frannie was always so mindful of the children and of this patron saint. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Frances’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life on Friday, March 4, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church/Blessed Sacrament Parish, 648 Jay Street. There will be a Receiving Line for those who are in attendance, and others may view the service livestream at www.youtube.com/c/stmaryofmountcarmelblessedsacrament. Interment will take place at St. Agnes Cemetery in the Spring.

Mrs. Frances L. (Pedone) Pandolf

January 9, 1927 - February 25, 2022