Mr. Frank J. "Sonny" Carbone

UTICA - Mr. Frank J. "Sonny" Carbone, age 85, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 29, 2026. Born in Utica on July 12, 1940, Frank was the son of Joseph D. Carbone (1912-1951) and Jean (Getz) Carbone (1916-1995). His stepfather was Walter Sypek (1920-1996). Frank was a lifelong Utican. He was a graduate of Proctor High School, Class of 1957. He continued his education at Mohawk Valley Community College, studying electrical engineering. At one time he was married to the late Judith Ann (Rishel) Carbone (1940-2019). From that union, they had four children. Frank used his knowledge and skills with everything he did. In his early years he was an accomplished body builder and weightlifter at a time the sport was gaining popularity. He was one of the instrumental people in the creation of the weightlifting gym at the Utica Y.M.C.A. Frank worked as a private contracted Electrician and with Sitrue Inc. - that later became Doeskin Paper. Later, he used his electrical and engineering skills as a plant distribution manager for Statler Tissue Company - managing the movement of entire paper making systems and machinery to Mexico and Canada. As an entrepreneur and businessman, Frank created The Columbia Square Laundromat and The Guitar Shop. Frank had a great love of instruments, especially guitars. In addition to playing and teaching, he was an accomplished and coveted Luthier, known for refining string instruments to be playable with ease. In keeping with his love of playing guitar, he had one of his many guitar playing inventions patented. For Frank, if something was broken, he knew he could fix it. He would either fix it or redesign it entirely, often giving it new purpose. Frank was highly intelligent, always trusting in himself and his instincts, and was never afraid to speak his mind or take on a project. Those around him always knew where they stood with him. He was hardworking and always insisted on offering a helping hand. There was always a sense of humor in his demeanor. He fondly remembered his brother, Eugene "Uggi" Carbone; sister, Barbara (Carbone) Sayles; and sister-in-law, Marcia (Duda) Carbone (deceased wife of James Carbone). Frank is survived by four sons and daughters-in-law: Michael and Rhonda (Plunkett) Carbone, Steven and Karen (Comito) Carbone, James and Gina (Canarelli) Carbone, and Christopher J. and Wendy (Suba) Carbone; grandchildren, Christian Carbone, Joey Carbone, Anthony Carbone, Sarah Carbone, and Christopher Carbone; siblings, James "Jim" Carbone, and Linda Sypek; and brother-in-law, Thomas Sayles. He is additionally survived by many relatives, extended relatives, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. In honoring Frank's wishes, his family will honor and commemorate his life privately.

Mr. Frank J. "Sonny" Carbone

July 12, 1940 - March 29, 2026