Frank Paul Urgolites, 95, of Flushing, NY, passed away July 30th, 2020 at The Regency Assisted Living in Glen Cove, NY. He is survived by his son, Thomas Urgolites and his wife Laura, his daughter, Marilyn Peiser, and his daughter, Sharon Manning and her husband, William. He is also survived by his grandchildren Lisa Bisbano and her husband John, Alison Temperini and her husband Joseph, Erica Peiser and her fiance Joseph Fusco, Thomas Peiser, Melissa Manning and Michael Manning, as well as his great-grandchildren Adriana Bisbano and James Temperini. He was predeceased by his wife Mary in 2004.
Frank was born on February 17th, 1925 in Hastings, Pennsylvania and was the son of Lithuanian immigrants Anthony and Martha Urgolites, who came to the United States in the early 1900’s. He was one of twelve children and the last of his immediate family to pass on. After completing 7th grade, he went on to work at The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a work relief program that gave millions of young men, including Frank, employment on environmental projects to support his family. After serving with the “Tree Army”, as they were called, he enlisted in the U.S Army and served during World War II as a battlefield medic in France, Germany, and other European countries where his services were needed. After serving his time in the Army, he arrived in New York City and lived with his sister and her husband in Brooklyn. He met his wife Mary through her sister, who he met in his time in New York, and they married in 1948. They moved shortly after to Flushing, Queens, which became his home and where he lived in the same house for almost 70 years. He worked for the NYC Housing Authority and retired in 1990.
Frank was known to be an avid bicyclist, and could be found riding around his beloved Flushing neighborhood up until last fall when he was 94 years old. He liked to grow vegetables in his backyard garden, and knew how to prepare the best Christmas ham that he made for family gatherings throughout the years. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and accompanying them through the milestones of their lives. He was always eager for the arrival of great-grandchildren so his family could grow and share in his favorite holiday tradition of dressing up as Santa and handing out presents to the family. He cheered for the NY Mets from his favorite recliner. He could engage anyone in a fascinating conversation about life and always shared stories from his youth to anyone who wanted to listen. Strong in his opinions on politics, his principles, and his faith, his beliefs could not be challenged or swayed by any force opposing them. With the same strength, he always took the challenges of life in stride and always encouraged his loved ones to do the same.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to The Robin Hood Foundation that targets poverty in the New York City boroughs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, or the Army Emergency Relief that targets financial burdens on current soldiers, veterans, and their families.
The family of Frank Urgolites will be receiving visitors at Frederick Funeral Home, 192-15 Northern Boulevard, Flushing, NY 11358. Visiting hours will be Sunday, August 2, 2020 from 3-7pm. It is required that all visitors wear a face mask or face covering,to practice social distancing and to remain in the chapel, not to congregate in the hallways or lobby of the funeral home. When visiting the family please be conscious to pay your respects, greet the family and to be mindful of other visitors that may be waiting outside because we are limiting the amount of guests in each chapel for the safety of everyone. Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated on Monday, August 3, 2020 at 9:45am. Monday, August 3, 2020 at 9:45am, St. Mary’s Nativity Church, 46-02 Parsons Blvd, Flushing, NY 11358. Entombment to follow at Mt. St. Mary's Cemetery - Mary Mother of God Mausoleum, 172-00 Booth Memorial Avenue, Flushing, NY 11365.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.5