Mr. Frank A. Scarano

UTICA – Mr. Frank A. Scarano, age 99, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, February 21, 2024. Born in Utica on June 20, 1924, Frank was the son of the late Vitantonio and Barbara (Conte) Scarano. He graduated as Valedictorian of the Oriskany High School Class of 1942. He then furthered his studies in conjunction with his military duties in the Army Air Corps. He received his education and training at the University of Minnesota as part of the Air Cadet Officer training. He then attended Navigation School in Texas where he graduated as a 2nd Lieutenant and went on to serve as a navigator on a B-24 bomber during World War II. He worked for the family at The Charlotte Restaurant in Utica upon his discharge. On September 15, 1946, Frank wed Mary Fresina. Together, they shared a union based on mutual love, devotion, and care for one another. Upon their marriage, the couple lived in Scituate, MA, where Frank owned and operated his own photography studio, specializing in weddings and portraits. He was also a talented lobster chef! The couple moved to Utica in 1950 where they have since resided. Frank began his work locally as a cookware salesman for Central Stainless Steel Co. He then accepted a position with the General Electric Co. at their French Rd. location as an electronics technician. Ever one with a thirst for learning and a brilliant mind, he continued his higher education, earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Physics from Syracuse University. In 1964, he gained a position at Rome Air Development Center as a Research Engineer specializing in cartography, imaging, and photogrammetry, a position at which he earned numerous awards and accolades in the Intelligence and Reconnaissance Division, retiring in 1985. Not one to stay idle, in his retirement years he continued to offer his expertise as a consultant for several Department of Defense Contractors in the Utica-Rome area. Frank and his wife Mary were members of the Sons of Italy Lodge #2054, serving as historian, treasurer, and secretary. He was also a member of the American Legion and served as Chairman of the Utica Columbus Day Parade and the Good Old Summertime Parade for many years. A completely selfless husband, father, and grandfather, he was first and foremost family oriented. He always made his loved ones his main focus. Some of his most cherished memories were of family gatherings, especially “meatball Sundays.” He was fond of music, dancing, and loved to share his wonderful sense of humor. Frank enjoyed boating, and you could often find him driving his moped around town. He loved travelling and collecting rocks and minerals which he sold to local hobby shops. He also enjoyed the art of photography, which he kept alive when he returned to Utica from Massachusetts. He founded a dance group called “The Short People,” volunteering to entertain residents of local nursing homes. Frank is survived by his beloved wife, Mary; his children Barbara Roser (the late Gordon Roser), Gina and Darryl Marks, Christine Conte and her husband Nick Kowalchuk, and Carl A. Scarano; his grandchildren, Derek and Beth Marks, Angela and Gootie Aurigema; Gianna and Colin Crooks, and Alessandra Conte; great-grandchildren, Joseph Aurigema, Nina Aurigema; and Nathaniel Marks. He was predeceased by his brother and sister-in-law, Leonard and June Scarano; and his infant sister, Maria Grazia Scarano. He leaves to cherish his memory nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and many cousins. Frank was additionally predeceased by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Carl and Grace (Silipo) Fresina; in-laws, John and Linda Fresina, Barbara and Lee Allen, and Carla and George W. Gates, IV; and his best friend and best man, Jack Salamone. The Scarano family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff at the Katherine Luther Residential Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center for their care and compassion. Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 3, 2024 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. A Final Blessing will commence at 4:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Military Honors conferred. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mr. Frank A. Scarano

June 20, 1924 - February 21, 2024