Obituary of Francis A. Stellato

Francis A. "Frank" Stellato a life long native of Amsterdam passed away Sunday May 18, 2008 surrounded by his family at his 43 Broad St. residence. Frank lovingly acknowledged as the patriarch of the Stellato family was born on July 19, 1922 to Anthony and Filomena Fiato Stellato. He attended Fifth Ward School and Wilbur H. Lynch High School. Frank was a very active man who participated in the Southside Veterans Association, Knights of Columbus, and Sons of Italy. He was an avid bowler and belonged to the West Shore League. Frank, a true family man enjoyed his garden and maintaining his lawn and hedges. Traveling was a passion that he shared with his daughters, Fil and Debbie as he told stories from his earlier years. As a young man, Frank served in the Army Air Force as a Sergeant. He attended eight different schools to receive specialized instructions in B-25's and B-17's. Frank was awarded the "silver wings" of a gunner after eight weeks of intensive training in aerial warfare at the Flexible Gunnery School, Texas. He was honorably discharged from service on October 13th, 1945 and was awarded the Decoration Distinguished Flying Cross; the 303 Bombardment Group Distinguished Service award; Certificate of Appreciation and Citation of Merit. As a devoted family man prior to and during marriage, Frank was a hard, conscientious worker who was employed at the Bigelow Sanford Carpet Co. and then worked many years as a Maintenance Foreman for the New York State Thruway Authority until his retirement. Frank is survived by his wife of 58 years, Caroline Parillo Stellato; his daughters, Filomena LaBate of Fort Hunter and Deborah Kiskis of Guilderland; his grandchildren, Melissa LaBate of Albuquerque, New Mexico and Thomas LaBate of Fort Hunter; a great-grandchild, Jacob LaBate of Amsterdam; his brother, B. Richard Stellato and his wife Norma of Perth, sisters-in-law, Anne Stellato of Amsterdam and Muriel Stellato of Florida; a brother-in-law, Sisto DiCaprio. Frank also left behind several nieces and nephews; Anthony Stellato and his wife Lorrie, Louis Stellato and his wife Lisa; Ann Marie Gotzenberg; Estelle Peek and husband Carey; John Stellato and his wife Jessica and many great-nieces and nephews and his extended Parillo family. He was predeceased by his parents Anthony and Filomena Stellato; brothers Louis and John, sister, Mary Stellato DiCaprio and nephews, Richard and Michael Stellato. Frank was a dedicated husband and "Daddy". His love for tradition, his Italian heritage and his faith was evidenced in holiday celebrations especially Christmas Eve and Christmas. He was a kind, giving and loveable man of great faith who enjoyed life and who always put his family first. He cherished his grandchildren, Missy and Tommy and his great-grandchild Jacob. Frank will remain in loving memories of his family and friends forever. Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday May 21, 2008 at 10:15A.M. at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Ave, Amsterdam followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:15A.M. at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Roman Catholic Church, St. John St., Amsterdam with Father Pascal "Pat" Iannotti as celebrant. Interment will be in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Amsterdam with full military honors. The family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday from 3 to 7 pm at the funeral home In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, Montgomery County Unit, 260 Osborne Rd., Loudonville, NY 12211 or to Community Hospice of Amsterdam, 246 Manny's Corner Rd., Amsterdam, NY 12010.