Frank (Francesco) Cesare

Albany-Frank (Francesco) Cesare, nearly 98, entered into Eternal Life Sunday, June 9, 2013 surrounded by his loving family. He is preceded by his beloved wife, the late Rosina, nee Cirincione, who died in 2008 at the age of 91 after 69 years of marriage. He was the son of the late Antonio Cesare and Rosa Catanese. Frank was born on January 7, 1916 in Lascari, Palermo Sicily, raised in Italy, married his childhood sweetheart, Rosina, whom he knew from age 4 and immigrated with her, and their 8 year old daughter, Rosanna after WW II to Albany in 1947. Son Anthony was born in Albany the following year. Another son, Salvatore completed the immediate family in 1957. Frank and Rosina were lifelong partners in all their personal and business ventures. Hard work, resourcefulness despite the lack of formal education, and innate keen business sense, entrepreneurial skills and a shoulder to shoulder determination to make life better for their children resulted in accomplishing the American Dream, beyond even their own expectations. Together they successfully owned and operated a grocery store on Madison Avenue for 10 years, later a Laundromat on Western Avenue until they retired in the early 1970s. They devoted their golden years to family, gardening, extensive travel, wintering in Fort Myers, Florida and the many activities at the Italian American Community Centers in Albany and Cape Coral, Florida. He, along with his wife, was one of the founding members of the Italian American Community Center, a board member, and one of the many tireless workers who helped shape the direction of the Center’s growth. Always ready with a song and a smile, he enjoyed volunteering, especially the bingo games; he enjoyed the many social events, card games and sports teams available there. He relished the competitive camaraderie of the game with his bocce buddies. He will be remembered by his loving family and friends for his friendly, easy going personality and for his passion for singing. Beginning in early adolescence with singing the Latin Mass and then moving on to midnight serenades with his guitar, he always had a song at the ready. This gift continued until the very end of his long and fruitful life. There wasn’t a social occasion, or a microphone he didn’t like. He is survived by his loving daughter Rosanna Aiuppa and her husband Eugene of Albany, Anthony Cesare and partner, John Keegan of Montana, and Salvatore Cesare and his wife Karen (Yinka) of London; proud grandfather of Joseph Cesare, Marlene Aiuppa, and Laura (Jef) Denning; and doting great grandfather of Michael, Sabrina Rose, and Eliana Sara. He is also survived by his loving nieces and nephews, Bernard DiTano and partner, Peg, Rose (Charles) Padula, Michael (Nancy) Macaione, Salvatore (Debbie) Macaione, Sandra (Tony) Spulnick, Carmen Cirincione, Connie Hoyt and sister in law Rose Cirincione, his faithful Godson, Salvatore (Helen) Sapienza and sister Antoinette (Danny) Ventola and his nieces and nephews in Chicago. Frank is also survived by many close family friends. In Italy he is survived by his sister in law Francesca, loving cousins Pina and Teresa and many nieces and nephews. A special thanks to the staff and caretaker at Van Rensselaer Manor for the kind attention he received while under their care. His last days at the Hospice Inn at St. Peter’s Hospital were a great comfort to both him and his family. Funeral services Thursday, June 13, 2013 at 8:00am from Lasak & Gigliotti Funeral Home, now located at 208 North Allen Street, Albany thence to All Saints Catholic Church, Albany at 9:00 am where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited and may call Wednesday, June 12, 2013 4:00 to 8:00 pm in the funeral home. Interment Evergreen Memorial Park. Those wishing to remember Mr. Cesare in a special way may send a contribution to The American Italian Museum, 1227 Central Ave. Albany, NY 12205 or the Italia-American Cultural Foundation of NY, PO Box 434 Voorheesville, NY 12186. To leave the family a special message on their guest book, obtain directions or light a candle, please visit www.LGFuneralHome.com

Frank (Francesco) Cesare

January 7, 1916 - June 9, 2013