Mr. Frank A. DePastene

Mr. Frank A. De Pastene, age 95, of Utica, passed away on Friday, May 13, 2011 at the Charles T. Sitrin Health Care Skilled Nursing Facility with the love and support of his family. Born in Altoona, Pennsylvania on July 16, 1915, Frank was the son of the late Anthony and Mary (Leonard) De Pastene. He was raised and educated locally. A member of the Greatest Generation and a veteran of the United States Army, he honorably served his country from 1943-1945 during World War II. On November 30, 1940 he married the former Florence C. DiPillo with whom he shared 65 years prior to her passing on December 13, 2005; their life together was filled with unconditional love and appreciation for one another. As a boy, Frank relocated to Utica with his family. He was self-taught and highly motivated to enter the profession of house building. He proudly worked his way up the ladder to become a master carpenter, erecting homes throughout the area for many years. He was highly regarded by consumers for his craftsmanship, capability, and customer satisfaction, and many wanted to hire Frank to build their homes. His experience, essential knowledge, and integrity were legendary and were reflected in his home construction and design. At his own abode, he was so proud of his family and was aglow when he gathered them around the table on Sundays to share a meal and recollect stories of the past. He was strong-willed and set in his ways, but balanced by the fact that he was easy going, patient, humorous, and loved to make people smile and laugh. Frank was also proud of his Italian heritage and fluency in speaking Italian. He loved to sing opera, listen to the music of the Big Band Era, and derived joy in playing the piano. Amid his busy life, Frank found fulfillment and fun in gardening. He was a member of the Moose Club of Marcy and a parishioner of Historic Old St. John’s Church. Frank is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Joanne M. and Michael T. Dziura of Utica; his sons and daughter-in-law, Frank De Pastene, Jr. of CO, and James and Kim De Pastene of Utica; his grandchildren, Michael “Mike” De Pastene, David De Pastene, James De Pastene and his wife Dr. Bhavini Chandaranda, Michael and Nicole Dziura, a very proud moment in Frank’s life was the birth of his granddaughter with whom he shared the same birthday, Megan Fiorentino and her husband Steve, Mallory Dziura, Christopher De Pastene, and Alexandra De Pastene; and his great-grandchildren, Olivia Dziura, Cooper Dziura, and Benjamin Fiorentino. In addition, he leaves his sisters and brother-in-law, Terri Rizzo, Mitzie and John DePerno, and Lucy Marino, all of Utica; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his sisters and brothers-in-law, Rosanne and Dean Perta, Yolanda and Fred Sisti; and his in-laws, Viola L. and Joseph Monopoli, Sr., Anthony and Lucy DeMarco, Bill Rizzo, and Anthony “Tony” Marino. On behalf of the family they would like to thank the nurses and staff of the Charles T. Sitrin Health Care Center/Mulberry House for the kind and courteous care shown to Frank and his family. Visitation will be held Monday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Frank’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Tuesday morning at 10:00 at Historic Old St. John’s Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. John Buehler. Entombment will take place in Calvary Mausoleum at the convenience of the family. follow.

Mr. Frank A. DePastene

July 16, 1915 - May 13, 2011