Name: Farone & Son Funeral Home
Address: Syracuse, NY

I was just talking to my son about my favorite teacher, Mr. Fiorenza, and how he’s the reason I became both the teacher and the person I am today. Mr. Fiorenza loved his students, and he loved teaching.
I’ll never forget being a shy fifth grader in his class and having the unexpected honor of winning our class screaming contest. After I won, he looked right at me with that sweet, knowing smile of his and said, “Now we know you have a voice—use it.” That moment changed everything. He taught me that what I had to say mattered. That I mattered.
He didn’t know it at the time, but somehow, he saved me. He gave me the confidence to strive for more, to believe in myself, and to speak up.
Today, I am proud to say that I am Mr. Fiorenza to my own students. I am the person who sees them, values them, and helps them discover the power of their voice.
I will forever be indebted to him and will honor his legacy always.
Thank you, Mr. F.

I have often reflected on my sixth grade year when Mr. F was my teacher at Nichols School.  This prompted me to Google him today, and in doing so, I learned of his passing in 2013.  I am so sorry to learn of this news, and even though it's three years later, I offer my sincere condolences to his family & friends.  Mr. F was an outstanding teacher, and although I am now 57 and retired, I have so many good memories of his class.  He used to tell us that the next big singing star would be Glen Campbell, and he often played his 45's in class.  I love Glen Campbell music to this day.  We also had bees in the class that would make honey, and Mr. F would bake biscuits for us to enjoy with the honey.  He would often play the piano for us, and I recall him telling us once that his father always used to say that "Italy is like a spare rib...little meat and lots of bone."  Mr. F's class was always filled with music, laughter, excitement, and hands-on learning.  It was a joy and a privilege to be his student.  RIP, Mr. F.  You left a brilliant legacy and impacted so many of your students in ways you will never know.  Hugs, Clarissia Jackson

I just thought of him and too a shot at finding anything about him online. He was truly loved by the students at Nichols during my time there. Sorry to hear of his loss.

My thoughts and prayers are with Mr.F's Family. Mr. F was also my 6th grade teacher at Nichols School, and he was the BEST Teacher I ever had. He made learning so much fun, and loved when he played the piano that was in his class. Those were the good old days. We will meet up again one day.

Dear Members of the Fiorenza Family,
     We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Frank.  My father and I got to know Frank by Dad being his table-mate at meals while he was at West Side Manor.  What a sweet and soft-spoken man and we wish we had gotten to know him better.  My Dad always snuck food to the table-mates in the way of cookies or crackers, as no one felt full at the end of a meal!  Also, I see his math skills were up until he left. His spot is still empty and will be to Dad and myself.  What a great loss to this community.

Daniel Williams and daughter Lynn Gravina

I was blessed to have the beloved Mr. F. as my 5th grade teacher at John A. Nichols Elementary School. Let me say that Mr. F. inspired all who knew him and we couldn't help but love him. I am now a high school teacher and often recollect the special way he made all of his students feel. We were so proud to be members of Mr. F's class, we loved him and we knew that he loved us too.  How did we know that he loved us? Mr. F. reflected his love and devotion to us in all that he did for us and with us.  I am so sad that he has left us; we have lost a bright beautiful light. 
Before I became a teacher, I was asked to write a paper about my favorite teacher, needless to say, I wrote about Mr.F.  
I still love you Mr.F. and continue to strive to be the kind of teacher that would make you proud to say I was your student.

God's Peace,

Lori Rossi Herasimtschuk

My daughter had Mr. F for her teacher at Huntington School.  One day, they were short a chaperone for a field trip and my daughter volunteered me to fill in.  I lived near the school so I was there in 15 min..  In that time, Frank made me a sparkly Wonder Woman T-shirt to wear.  He was absolutely the best. My condolences to your family.

My prayers to the family.  I had Mr. F. for my 5th grade teacher.  He was by far my best teacher.   He made learning fun and took our class on several field trips, I remember it like it was yesterday.    Joanne Virag Kowalewski

RIP Mr F. I have many fond memories of being in your 5th and 6th grade class. You made learning fun and everybody loved you. To many memories to list. Condolences to the Fiorenza family.

Frank was, is, and always will be "special"!  We are so much richer and better for having had him in our lives.  All too few people are ones who cause us to change for the good because of their energy, inspiration, and, sense of personal commitment - Frank was just that sort of person.  It has been a particular meaningful pleasure for over thirty years now to have had this wonderful man be the godfather for our oldest daughter - we know today, just as we knew the day that we asked him to fill that role, that that choice was a very wise one!  May God always bless and keep this phenomenal man.  To our wonderful Frank - may you always enjoy the "warm sunshine" that is "on the other side"!

All our love and best wishes~~~  The Orkes

Dear Rose and Family:
You know how loved and cherished Frank was.  Beautiful friend and neighbor for so many years. Such a gentle and kind soul; devoted to his cats and working tirelessly for their cause.

I still have a two piece velour dress hanging in my closet that I bought from his friend on Grant Blvd. who regularly held garage sales in behalf of the Humane Society.  It was a Liz Clabourne); black with red piping. I looked at it and didn't ask price .  Was on my way to a meeting and so left.  I shared this with Frank the next day.  He said, "Come on, Joan.  We drove back to the house; he had a key to the garage; it was still on the wall; we found a $2.00 price tag; I paid him; I washed it in wool-ite and wore it for special occasions for years.  
Loved sitting on the front porch in the summer and listening to you play the piano; it was so comforting and Bev and I always felt as though we were attending a private concert.
Oh, by the way, Greg and Erica , the couple who bought your home love it.
Simply love it.  The exterior, including garage was aglow with Christmas lights throughout the holiday.  Interesting that Greg removed all the lights just Sunday.  Isn't that amazing.  Not a coincidence; rather a God-Wink.
Your former students, and oh, how many there are, all claim you to be a phenomenal teacher.  John Spensieri, now 58 and living in Arizona for 35 years always mentions you and what a great teacher you were.  In fact, I think he had contacted you several times.  
I have so many of the Joygerm signs you made for me over the years.  Your strong, bold printing; I loved visiting your classroom and was always amazed at the seasonal decorations; you created an atmosphere no one else did or could.
You've left your mark, my friend.  Don't ever doubt that.
Please shine your light on us from above and keep an eye out for the many Joygerms who have joined 'homeland security.'
Blessings dear Rose... and thank you for the great love, care and concern you had for Frank.  
I shall hold you all in prayer.

Love, Joan E. White
Syracuse, N.Y.

Mr. F was also my teacher at Nichols school.  He is the teacher I remember the most!  He was a wonderful man; interesting, creative, fun, and intelligent.  My condolences to his family. He will be missed.

RIP Mr. F I hope your family knows the impact you left on each and every student you had.. I am 56yrs old and I have numerous times mentioned the best teacher I ever had to my children and grandchildren as well and I will continue to do so, Thank you Mr. F you will be missed;

My thoughts and prayers are with you also. What a dynamic and creative teachers. I loved getting his studens when they entered 7th Grade. They knew their United States History and geography.

Ruby Beal (Syracuse, NY)

Mr Fiorenza was my fifth grade teacher at Huntington and I will never forget him. He literally made me who I am today. We studied propaganda and it helped me to be more outgoing and confident. I won't forget the awesome experience he gave me and the many field trips we took. His style of teaching was inspirational and I think more teachers should take the initiative he did.

I had Mr. F for both fifth and sixth grades at Nichols Elementary School 1966-1968 and I loved him so much!  He was the best teacher I ever had and he made learning fun.  He read Beverly Cleary books to us, played the piano and taught us songs!  I hope his family knows how much his students loved him!

Missy Tillapaugh Kleinhans

Mr. F. was my 6th grade teacher at Nichols School. He brings back so many fond memories for me. You never forget a great teacher. My thoughts and prayers are with the Fiorenza Family.

Florence (Amlott) Pikulinski

I had Mr. F at Nichols School  .He was the best teacher,He used to  be a good kidder to Miss Purcell esp. on St.Patricks Day He would put  all Orange things on Her Car..I can't forget all  the field trips we had with him, and being a Great Teacher,

Mr. F was one of our favorite teachers at Nichols Elementary School. 
 Both my sister and brother had him but I wasn't as fortunate. We had him over for a homemade pasta dinner made by our grandmother and he never forgot it every time we saw him he brought it up. He was a great person and even a better teacher.  He truly loved his students. He made school fun.. Our sympathy to his family. 
The Benkovics Family

I had Mr. F. (as we called him) for my 6th grade teacher (the year President Kennedy was assassinated). The classroom walls were always covered with maps, pictures, and other learning materials. I remember the small animals (gerbils, mice) we kept and cared for in the classroom. I also remember he drove a Thunderbird! He made learning fun. Everyone loved him. He was my favorite elementary school teacher.

My condolences to his family.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Mr. Fiorenza. He was my 5th grade math teacher at Huntington school and I often still fondly remember those days in that school and he often comes to mind. He was a GREAT teacher, who loved his job and was passionate about learning. 
I have become a teacher myself in part because of all the fantastic teachers I have had in my life and Mr. Fiorenza stands as one at the top of the list. 
You all should be proud of the lives he has touched and help nurture, he will be missed.

M. Piraino

Mr f was my 6thgradeteacher and I LOVED him! I have thought of him often. He had gone to Italy over the summer he was my teacher and I still have the post ard he sent me. He always said Ilooked like Sofia Loren and he was gonna marry me in the future. I will always think of him with great affection and appreciation for the terrific teacher he was. He spent his own time playing dodgeball and other games with us all. He will be missed as the wonderful man he was.

My condolences to the Fiorenza family on the death of Franklin, especially to my childhood friend, Rose.

Rose and family, Larry and I are so sorry for your loss. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Larry and Suzanne Lively

OBITUARY

Franklin "Frank" Fiorenza

September 3, 1936 – January 20, 2013

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