Mr. Frank J. Mastrovito

UTICA - Mr. Frank J. Mastrovito, age 98, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Monday, February 27, 2023. Born in Utica on August 18, 1924, Frank was the son of the late Pietro and Mary (Tinelli) Mastrovito. Frank attended Brandegee Elementary School and graduated from T.R. Proctor High School. A proud veteran of the United States Army, Frank honorably served his country during WWII and earned 5 Battle Stars from 1943-1946. He participated in the Invasion of Normandy as a member of the 3rd Infantry Division. When Frank returned home after the War, the GI Bill provided the opportunity for him to attend Syracuse University when it was located on Oneida Square. On September 7, 1946, Frank married the former Marie D. Scotellaro and to that union came the blessing of their 3 sons. Marie was the driving force behind her husband, and the loving foundation of the family. Her boys reflect upon her wisdom to this very day. Frank always held Marie in his heart, a love that endured until his last day. His beloved Marie passed away on October 10, 2002, a memorial day for all her family. During his career, Frank held positions with the New York Central Railroad, Wolfe News, and primarily Metropolitan Life Insurance Company where he was a District Sales Manager, and trustworthy friend to those he met along the way. Following Frank’s formal retirement from the workforce, each day he would position himself at his favorite family business, F-M Collision. It was second nature to him to greet everyone who patronized the shop and reminisce with the customers. He was the first one in and the last one out. He had a purpose in life and met his responsibilities in a meaningful way. Frank was a people person and enjoyed social events and gathering with his family, especially on Christmas Eve. He enjoyed traveling throughout Europe and revisited the Italian hometowns of his parents. A traditional, proud American Italian, he belonged to the former Sons of Italy Lodge and was a member of the St. Cosmos Damian Chapel on Kossuth Ave. Frank was fascinated with anything to do with cars! He loved stock cars, old cars, muscle cars, and was a member of the Sportsman’s Club. Civically and socially minded, Frank was truly legendary. An extremely patient man of multiple roles, he was a loving father and “Papa Vito.” His grandchildren and great-grandchildren made him feel better whenever they were around him. In every aspect of his life, Frank’s attributes of the Greatest Generation were stellar ~ as a soldier in his military life, a loving patriarch in his family life, and an honest, hard-working man in his professional life. Frank is survived by his 3 sons and daughters-in-law, Peter M., Sr. and Ann Mastrovito, Frank A. and MaryAnn Mastrovito, and Robert L. and Patricia Mastrovito; his grandchildren, Peter M., Jr. and Sarah Mastrovito; the memory of his granddaughter Audrey Ann Dorn who preceded him in March 2022, and Michael T. Dorn; Gina M. Mastrovito-Smith and Kristian Smith; Frank P. and Coleen Mastrovito; Michelle M. Forszen, Lisa A. Mastrovito, Robert J. and Amy Mastrovito; his great-grandchildren, Peter M., III and Emily Mastrovito; Alexandra, Michael, and Matthew Dorn; Samantha, Kristian, and Rocco Mastrovito-Smith; Frank M., Anthony, and Michael Mastrovito; Michael and Nicholas Forszen, Robert D. and Vincent Mastrovito. He was preceded by his sister, Julia F. “Julie” Mastrovito, who passed on Sunday, February 26, 2023, merely one day prior to his own passing. He was also preceded by 2 infant siblings, Francesco and Donata, and by a baby granddaughter, Vanessa. He also leaves his nieces, Joyce and Ken Williams, Donna and David Ciufo; nephew, Garry and Ann Spink; great-nieces and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews. Frank’s life was enriched by many friendships, but two special guys need to be remembered and thanked: the nephew of his son Frank, Anthony Alsheimer, who watched over him and shared daily lunches with him; and Dave Pastorelli, a young man who grew up next door to the South St. garage who always respected and checked on Frank daily. The family wishes to thank the members of the Utica Police Department and the Utica Fire Department who were compassionate, loyal, and respectful in their response; and United States Congresswoman Claudia Tenney who assisted Frank’s sons in acquiring the proper community services and programs to assist in their father’s care and comfort. Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 8, 2023 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Frank’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Thursday, March 9, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish, 648 Jay St. where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered with Military Honors conferred by the US Army. In memory of Frank’s late wife, expressions of sympathy in her memory may be directed to the Dementia Society of America online at https://www.dementiasociety.org/donate or Feed Our Vets online at https://feedourvets.org. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Interment will take place at the convenience of the family in St. Agnes Cemetery where he will be laid to rest beside his beloved Marie.

Mr. Frank J. Mastrovito

August 18, 1924 - February 27, 2023