Francis "Frank" James Cioffari and Leigh Bennett Stevens Cioffari

It is with great sadness to announce the tragic passing of Francis "Frank" James Cioffari and Leigh Bennett Stevens Cioffari, of Lake Lure, Friday, November 1, 2024. Frank was born on February 22, 1942 in Mamaroneck, New York to the late Patrick and Margaret Helen Cioffari. Leigh was born on August 2, 1944 in Joplin, Missouri to the late Lt. Colonel Charles Eugene Sr. and Marla May Stevens.

Frank was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army following his service in Germany as an E3 armor crewman. He was a self-employed entrepreneur. He loved fishing, hunting, inventing, talking, and was a black belt Karate instructor. He was also a long time member of the American Legion. Leigh was an accomplished artist of ceramic, porcelain, oils, watercolors, ink, and pastels. She loved teaching others her craft and was a beloved substitute teacher when her children were young. Leigh’s favorite things to do were to “out fish” her husband, collect sea shells, read, sew, and travel with her family inside the United States.

Thankful for their life and continuing in their memory are daughter Tracy Leigh Cioffari Waters and her husband Chris, son Bryan Patrick Cioffari and his wife Melissa, and four loving grandchildren: Vincent, Anthony, Ava, and Gracie.

Frank is predeceased by his parents and younger brother Craig.

Leigh is predeceased by her parents and younger brother Gene.

Thank you to the EMS, State Police, and hospital workers in Plymouth, N.C. for their care after their passing. The family would also like to thank Cotten Funeral Home for all their care and sympathy.

As per their wishes there will not be a service or funeral. In lieu of flowers the family requests any donations go to Tunnel to Towers Foundation at T2T.org.

Online condolences can be made to www.cottenfuneralhome.com.

Cotten Funeral Home is truly honored to serve the family and friends of Leigh and Frank Cioffari.