Francis Angelo Paganelli

Frank was born on Halloween of 1929, to Anthony and Rosaria (Fama) Paganelli. His last birthday was celebrated among loved ones and wonderful caretakers. Frank was a proud Veteran of the US Army serving as a sergeant with the 628th Tank Battalion during the Korean War and honorably discharged in 1953. He lived a simple life led by a kind heart and nurturing soul, evident in his stories about nursing a baby deer back to health while he was stationed in Germany.

He could not go anywhere without making new friends, even when he was younger. You could say there were no strangers in Frank’s life because he had 20 questions for everyone.

He graduated from Franklin Delano Roosevelt High School and one of his memorable moments was chatting with Eleanor Roosevelt while she visited the newly built school. Roosevelt High School trophy cases still house baseball trophies with Frank’s name and accomplishments. He was an extremely talented baseball player who was nearly drafted to play professionally if not for family obligations. As a huge Yankee fan he was delighted to meet and get an autograph from his idol, Mickey Mantle.

In 1953, Frank married Mary DeCosta and though the marriage ended, they remained close friends, showing mutual respect as they raised their only child, Jo-Ann. Frank was a patient and caring father, a unique and hilarious grandpa, and a religious man. He will be missed by all those whose lives he touched throughout his 95 years on Earth. He is reunited with his parents and siblings who went before him and is more than likely serenading them with his version of a Frank Sinatra melody over some pasta fagioli. He loved music as it was always playing in his house and his cars, which included a Rambler with a 45 RPM record player. Yes, you read that right, a record player in his car!

Frank worked manufacturing jobs at Schatz Federal Bearing Company, Western Publishing and finally at IBM where he retired in 1989. He was a dedicated and hard worker and was respected and admired by all his co-workers.

In 2005 he was the first resident at the newly built Weatherstone Apartment complex for 55+ where he was affectionately known as “The Mayor” of the building. In his 19 years there he would help his fellow tenants with grocery runs and occasional luncheons. He would even distribute mail packages from the first floor to the respective tenants throughout the three-floor building.

He is survived by his daughter, Jo-Ann Chandler and her husband James of Cary, NC, granddaughters, Lindsey Chandler, Bellefonte, PA and Emily Chandler, Cary, NC, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

“Dad, It is difficult to put into words just how much of a positive impact you had in my life and in the lives of so many others. Simply, your love and devotion to God and your family will forever be in my heart.”

Frank is also survived by three of his six stepchildren from a subsequent marriage (Doris Decker Paganelli), Donald Decker (Donna), Barbara Morley (Edward), and Debra Dalcher (Deven), along with numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his siblings, John and Charlie Commandatore, sister Mamie Gizzi, brothers, Richard (Ace) Paganelli and Joseph Paganelli, sisters, Louise and Carmela Paonessa.

He was also predeceased by stepchildren, Lorraine Wilkinson, Bradley Decker and Patrick Decker.

There will be a memorial event at Brown-Wynne Cary, NC for local friends and family at a later date. Frank’s final resting place will be with his mother in Poughkeepsie, NY, where a graveside service will be performed.