Mr. Frank M. "Babe" Mazza

Mr. Frank M. "Babe" Mazza, age 90, passed away on Sunday, June 2, 2013 at the Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare Center with his devoted family by his side. Born in Utica on October 12, 1922, Frank was the son of the late Joseph and Adele (Masciari) Mazza. Raised and educated in Utica, he was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School. A proud Veteran of the United States Army, Frank honorably served his country and he shared with his family fond memories of riding his horse during his enlistment. On May 21, 1949 he married the former Josephine Sosso with whom he shared love and devotion for 64 years. A kitchen designer by trade, Frank was lastly employed with St. Luke's Memorial Hospital as a carpenter, the position from which he retired. Time spent with his family at their camp in Forestport and tending his vegetable garden made him happiest in heart, mind, and body. His family will always remember celebrating his 90th birthday at the lake. He was a member of the American Legion #1290, and a communicant of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Frank is survived by his beloved wife, Josephine; his daughters and sons-in-law, Adele and Richard Grimaldi of New Hartford, Carmela and Robert Brown of Frankfort, and Regina and James Klodnicki of Utica; his grandchildren, Regina Grimaldi, Andrew Grimaldi; Geno and Tanya Brown, Robert Brown; Joanna Klodnicki, Katie and Ryan DiFondi, and Kristina Klodnicki; and his great-grandchildren, Frank Brown, and Carlina DiFondi. He also leaves his sister, Antoinette "Toni" Bottini of Utica; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and sisters-in-law Mary Gazzilli, and Michelina Sychtysz. He was predeceased by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Salvatore and Mary Mazza, Anthony and Loretta Mazza; his sisters and brothers-in-law Carmella and Nicholas R. Ponzo, Catherine A. and Ralph J. Cangello; his in-laws Joseph L. Bottini, Jerry V. Gazzilli, Anthony J. and Antoinette Sosso, Ralph and Frances A. Sosso, James and Mary Sosso, Louis Sosso, Edward Sychtysz; and his niece Rosemarie Bottini. The family will always be thankful for the kindness and compassion of Dr. Sultana Razia, Dr. N. Marino Selvarajah, and the physicians, nurses and staff of the St. Luke's Home, Clark North in caring for Frank during his final days. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 5:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Frank's funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Wednesday morning at 9:00 from the funeral home and at 10:00 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where his Mass of Christian Burial with Military Honors will be offered by Rev. James Cesta. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mr. Frank M. "Babe" Mazza

October 12, 1922 - June 2, 2013