Obituary of Frank Dalesandro

Mr. Frank "Pinky" Dalesandro, 84, passed away peacefully January 18, 2008 at St. Mary's Hospital with his loved ones by his side after a short illness. Born on August 30, 1923 on the South Side of Amsterdam, he was the son of the late Antonio and Philomena Falva Dalesandro. He was given the nickname "Pinky" as a small boy due to his fair complexion, despite his Italian lineage. At the age of 17 he left high school and joined the United States Army. He served in both the European and Asiatic theatres during WWII and was in the Battle of the Bulge. He was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant in 1946. In 1950 Pinky joined the Amsterdam Fire Department and served 25 years. In 1971 he was honored as New York State's "Fireman of the Year" for reentering a home to rescue two small children. After retiring from the department he went to work, as a millwright for General Electric in Schenectady from where he retired in 1986. He enjoyed tending his fruit trees, and being outdoors. Pinky was a member of the South Side Veteran's and was an avid Yankee's fan. He along with his wife also enjoyed traveling. Frank truly enjoyed talking to people and will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Frank was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, Marion Percoco, Rose Dalesandro, Catherine Turcott and a brother, James Dalesandro. His loving family includes his wife, the former Joan DiScenza, whom he married on September 9, 1950; one daughter, Susan A. Dalesandro and her fiance John Matt of Cooperstown, NY; one son, David A. Dalesandro and his wife Eileen of Mechanicville, NY; one brother, John Dalesandro and his wife Phyllis of Glens Falls, NY; several nieces, nephews and cousins. A prayer service will be conducted on Wednesday, January 23, 2008 at 10:15a.m. at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:15a.m. at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel R.C. Church with the Rev. Pascal Iannotti as celebrant. Interment will follow in Fairview Cemetery. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday from 3 until 7 at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in his memory may be made to the Montgomery County S.P.C.A., G.A.V.A.C. or St. Mary's Hospital Foundation, all in care of the funeral home office.