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- Frank Orfano, Sr. Life story
Frank A. Orfano, Sr of Cape Coral, Florida, formerly of Lewiston, New York passed away peacefully at Hope Hospice, Cape Coral, Florida on November 9, 2024 after reaching his 96th birthday last month. He was born on October 22, 1928, the youngest child of Joseph and Josephine (Codimo) Orfano. His sister Cecilia (late Nicholas Moraco and Hon. Peter J. Paonessa) and his brother Cosmo (late Angela De Santis) predeceased him.
After obtaining his undergraduate degree in Business from Niagara University, he went on to New York University Stern School of Business and graduated in the very first MBA class. Frank was drafted to serve for four years in the United States Air Force stationed in Montana before his honorable discharge in 1961. Upon returning to Niagara Falls, Frank obtained his certification in Business Education followed by a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration and Supervision with certification as a School District Administrator, all from Niagara University. He spent his professional life as a teacher and administrator in the Niagara Falls City School District retiring in 1990. He also worked as an adjunct professor at Niagara University and Niagara County Community College for many years.
Frank’s love for and dedication to children in the community led him to work with many civic organizations in Niagara Falls. He was presented by the Niagara Police Athletic League with the Culmination of a Career Dedicated to Youth and Education Award, Frank was recognized for nine consecutive years of voluntary service on the Board of Directors for the YMCA. He was also a longtime supporter of the Boys and Girls Club of Niagara Falls, twice Past President of the LaSalle Lions Club, served as a longtime Board member and President for the Niagara Falls Teachers Schoolmasters Bowling League, Past President of the Administrative and Supervisory Council for the Niagara Falls City School District and Board member of the Niagara Falls Teachers Federal Credit Union. He was also a Board member of St. Peter RC School’s Home and School Association for many years. Frank was also a member of the American Legion.
Frank was a faithful parishioner at both St Peter RC Church, Lewiston, New York and St Cecilia RC Church in Fort Myers, Florida. He was a member of the Catholic Male Choir during 1950 to 1960, and the Knights of Columbus Council 247. Frank was a lifelong New York Yankees fan. One of his greatest delights was meeting New York Yankees Owner George Steinbrenner.
In 1958, Frank married Dolores Dugan at Sacred Heart Church in Niagara Falls, New York. They built a beautiful life having four children, Judith (Paul) Krupa, of Grand Island, New York, Joseph of Jacksonville, Florida, Frank (AnnMarie Patti), Jr., and Gerald (Joni Ann Culbert) of Niagara Falls, New York. Upon retirement Frank and Dolores enjoyed traveling with dear friends and had a winter home in Fort Myers, Florida. Sadly, Dolores predeceased Frank in 1999 after 41 years of marriage.
In 2002, Frank married Barbara Mendrick, whom he shared the last wonderful 22 years together.
In addition to his wife, Barbara and his children, Frank is survived by daughters Cheryl (late Gary) Roman, Darlene (Darrell) Stanley, of Cape Coral, Florida.
He is also survived by Grandchildren Kathryn (Chad) Agen, Julie (Ryan) Langrehr, Alyssandra, Thomas, Caroline, Mateo, Jerri Ann and Jon Orfano, Amanda (Jon) Harrington, Karrilyn Roman, Bryan and Zachary Markovich. Great Grandchildren Matthew and Emily Agen and Grace Langrehr. He was preceded in death by his grandson, the late John Roman.
Frank is also survived by sisters and brothers-in-law Joseph (late Shirley) Contento, Eleanore (Tex) O’Neill, Carlene (late Andrew) Holmes and Judy (late Allan) Kohler and
his niece Carol Swalwell, as well as many other nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister-in-law Mary deceased Nov 13th, 2024 (late Eugene) Jackson.
The family will be present Saturday, November 23, 2024 at 9:30 am at St Peter RC Church, 620 Center Street, Lewiston, New York, where a Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30 am, Concelebrated by Reverend Dan Young, Assistant Pastor and Reverend Joseph Hubbert, Alumni Chaplain of Niagara University. Entombment with Military Honors will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston, New York immediately following. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made to: Niagara University (Niagara.edu/donations), Niagara Falls Education Foundation, P.O. Box 595, Niagara Falls, NY 14302 and/or Niagara Police Athletic League, C/O Art Eberhart, Executive Director, Niagara Falls High School, 4455 Porter Rd., Niagara Falls, NY 14305.
Frank’s family has entrusted his care to the OTTO REDANZ FUNERAL HOME AND NIAGARA COUNTY CREMATION CARE, 2215 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY (716-297-9007). Share condolences and memories at GOODLANDERCARES.com
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1928 - 2024 (96 years)