Frank Ortis

Mr. Frank Ortis, age 94, formerly of Utica and more recently of Fairport, NY, passed away on Saturday, January 14, 2006, at Aaron Manor where he currently resided. At one time he and his wife also lived in the assisted living section of the Presbyterian Residential Community. Born in Sicily, Italy on March 26, 1911, Frank was the son of the late Carmelo "Carmen" and Lucille "Lucy" (Lena) Ortis. As a boy he came with his family to the U.S. and settled in Utica where he was subsequently raised and educated. On April 20, 1933 he was joined in marriage with the former Margaret "Maggie" Nasto with whom he shared a loving and devoted union of almost 65 years prior to her passing on March 12, 1998. Mr. Ortis was a self-employed painter who contracted work throughout the greater Utica area. At one time he was a communicant of St. Thomas Church. In recent years, he has enjoyed his life at Aaron Manor in Fairport, especially the camaraderie of the staff and of his fellow residents. Frank had outstanding artistic abilities and liked to use his talents through painting. He also enjoyed his frequent visits with Carl Roemer at his garage. Mr. Ortis is survived by two daughters, Johanna L. Papagno of Utica, and Carol F. Ortis of Webster, NY; and a son and daughter-in-law, Frank C. and Barbara Ortis of Pembroke Pines, FL, where he acts as their Mayor. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Mark and Allison Papagno of Baltimore, MD, Karen Papagno Locorini, Avery and James Graziano, all of Utica, and Christopher Ortis and his wife, Christine, of FL; and his great-grandchildren, Andrea Lynn Locorini, Alyssa Betrus, Genaro Gaetano Graziano, Kara M. Ortis, Kyle B. Ortis, and Keegan Ortis. In addition, his survivors include his nieces and nephews, especially acknowledging his nephew, John Nasto, whom he considered as a son, and John's wife, Dolly, and their children, his niece, Donna Ortis, and the members of the Flynt family; a number of great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins; and his sister-in-law, Mary Nasto and her children, Carla, Jimmy, and John Nasto. He was predeceased by his brothers, Harry Ortis and Joseph Ortis; his son-in-law, Guy T. Papagno; and his extended family members, Nick and Clover Papagno. The family offers its sincere gratitude to the entire staff of Aaron Manor for the comfort, care, and loving atmosphere they provided for Frank, as well as to his daughter, Carol, for her love, concern, and daily care. Thanks also to family friends, Joe and Carol Pompa for their love, concern, and kindness. Visitation will be held today (Thursday) from 4-7 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Frank's funeral will commence on Friday morning at 10:30 from the funeral home and at 11:30 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery.

Frank Ortis

March 26, 1911 - January 14, 2006