Frank V. Stropoli

Frank V. Stropoli, 79 Devoted husband, father, entertainer Frank V. Stropoli died on Sunday, May 22, 2016, from ALS at the Atrium Post Acute Care Center in Matawan, N.J. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Virginia Funeral Chapel. A Mass will be held at St. Ann's Church, 101 Cromwell Ave., Staten Island, N.Y. Mr. Stropoli was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., where he grew up and graduated from New Utrecht High School. Gifted with a beautiful voice in a time where Rock 'N' Roll was in its infancy, Frank connected with two of his peers: Tony Grochowski and Joe Villa, forming a group which would be recognized by the rest of the world as "The Three Friends." Inspired by a young female who also attended their high school, "The Three Friends" produced an original song "Blanche" which was released in September of 1956, with the mid-tempo "Baby I'll Cry" on the backside. "Blanche" was quickly reviewed in Billboard the following month, receiving three stars and admired by Alan Freed. "The Three Friends" were immediately put on the map with "Blanche" becoming an East Coast hit. The exposure from "Blanche" helped the group land performances in respectable venues such as the prestigious Apollo Theater, along with being booked to perform for Alan Freed's 1956 blockbuster Christmas show held at the Brooklyn Paramount. Frank's passion for entertaining set him off to travel across the Far East, Australia, Hawaii, and he spent a year singing in Alaska, which he loved, just to name a few. Frank served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1954 to 1962. He was a religious man and devoted Catholic. While raising his children in Dongan Hills, Staten Island, N.Y., he was head of the choir and the lector for St. Ann's Church for many years. Frank was also a bookkeeper and performed as a wedding singer on weekends to support his family. Upon his retirement, Frank and his wife, Irene, lived in Florida for 10 years but decided to come back in 2010 to be closer with the family, residing in Old Bridge, N.J. Aside from his musical career and success, Frank found no greater joy than the time he spent with his family. Frank, known as Poppy to his grandchildren, never missed a holiday, birthday or graduation. To friends, Frank was a hard-working, selfless, sincere soul, filled with life and love for all. He was a man of wise words and heart-warming advice. He continued to entertain on Wednesday nights at his son, Eric's, restaurant. Mr. Frank Stropoli was the late son of Phyllis (Rasulo) and Vincent Stropoli. Frank was a loving husband for 46 years to Irene (Berntsen) Stropoli, and was the beloved father of Janice Montana, Karen Delgrosso, Denise Maher, and Eric Stropoli. Frank leaves behind a sister, Rosemary Piazza, 13 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Virginia Funeral Chapel 1707 Hylan Blvd. Staten Island, N.Y. 10305 (718) 987-2828