Obituary of Frank Pappalardo

Placido (Placy) Frank Pappalardo passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at the age of 83, surrounded by his loving family.  Frank was born in Rochester, NY in 1940 to Fauna (Prinzivalli) and Frank D. Pappalardo, Esq. Frank initially attended school in Fairport, NY, where he met his future wife of 60 years, Marlene (Pittinaro). Frank transferred to Manlius Military Academy to complete high school, and thereafter, graduated from Middlebury College.  He then obtained his law degree from the University at Buffalo School of Law, during which time he married Marlene on August 3, 1963. Frank was admitted to the New York Bar in 1965.  After law school, Frank joined the Judge Advocate General Corp of the United States Army, ending his active duty teaching at West Point. It was during this time in law school and the US Army that Frank and Marlene started their family and had four children: Frank S., Daniel, Fauna and Julie. 

After teaching at West Point, Frank returned to the Rochester area and settled in Penfield, NY.  He joined the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office where he served as Assistant District Attorney and Special Prosecutor until he partnered with his father in his private law practice. Frank remained in private practice, joined for a period of time by his son, Frank S. and daughter, Fauna, until his eventual retirement.  

Frank was an avid Buffalo Bills and New York Yankees fan and looked forward to watching games side-by-side with Marlene.  His passion for sports was certainly passed on to his children and grandchildren, and he took great pride in their athletic achievements.  His booming voice could be heard above all the others cheering them on. Frank also loved traveling and classical music, and wouldn’t let his daughter, Julie, leave town without singing for him, which always moved him to tears.  Almost as much as he loved his family, Frank loved fishing.  He spent countless hours  fishing at their family cottage on Lake Ontario in Hamlin, NY, and taught all of his children to fish for themselves. He loved the water, especially swimming and boating, and was not shy to point out that he was certified to scuba dive. Above all else, Frank truly cherished spending time with his family.  He could frequently be found playing chess or cards with them, having competed in chess and bridge in college. Frank emphasized the importance of academics, providing each of his children with a private school education and supporting their college and post-graduate pursuits.

Frank can be remembered most for his strength of character, sense of humor and capacity to tell a captivating story.  His family marveled at his ability to come up with a new joke every day. He could engage even the most seemingly disinterested listeners with his storytelling, but his family often warned to only believe half of what he said.  When corrected, he’d boast, “I’m just making the story more interesting!” His stories were designed to amaze and bring laughter to those around him, something he did so well.  He conducted himself with integrity as a husband, father, grandfather and attorney.  Judges and his colleagues often commented that he was one of the most honest attorneys they’d ever worked with, a true gentleman. During his legal career, Frank was presented with the James M. White Chancellor’s Award from the St. Thomas More Lawyers Guild for his publicly demonstrated courage, fidelity, and legal knowledge in defense of his faith, and its moral teachings.

Frank is survived by the love of his life, Marlene; his sons, Frank S. (Denine Regnier) and Daniel (Erica); his daughters, Fauna (Gary Minges) Pappalardo-Minges and Julie (Paul) Tewksbury; his grandchildren, Sophia, Felicia (Rolf Witt), Placido, Sylvan, Stewart and Pierce; his brother, A. Neil (Jane) Pappalardo, along with many nieces, nephews and extended family. He is predeceased by his parents and grandson, Jared. 

Calling hours will be held on November 10, 2023, from 4 to 7 PM at Jennings Nulton and Mattle Funeral Home, 1704 Penfield Rd., Penfield, NY. A funeral mass will be held on November 11, 2023 at 10 AM at Church of the Assumption, 20 East Ave, Fairport, NY.  Those wishing to honor Frank may make a donation in his memory to a charity of their choice.