Francis Ralph Amendola, beloved father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on June 11, 2010, at Otsego Manor in Cooperstown, N.Y., his home for the last four and a half years. He was surrounded by family and friends.

Frank was born in Bethpage, N.Y. on July 12, 1921, the son of Olga Lautem and Ralph Amendola. He attended Farmingdale High School.

His lifelong love of golf began when he caddied at Bethpage Golf Course as a young man.

He married Rose L. Peterson, the love of his life, on November 16, 1946 in Farmingdale, N.Y. She died on February 17, 1990.

Frank enlisted and proudly served in the Marine Corps from 1939-1945.He attained the rank of gunnery sergeant in the First Marine Division and served mainly in the Pacific. He was awarded the Purple Heart after being wounded in Guadalcanal.

After working for Grumman Aviation on Long Island, Frank began a long and successful career in sales, first with Van Houten and later with W.L.M. Bensdorp, both Dutch cocoa companies. Later Frank went into business for himself as Metro Sales, specializing in cocoa and related products. During his sales career, Frank was a member of the Northeast Ice Cream Dealers association and was awarded salesman of the year many times.

Frank and Rose lived in Massapequa, N.Y. and raised their family there. In 1973 they moved to Marlton, N.J., an area they enjoyed very much. Frank was an active member of St. Joan of Arc Church in Marlton.

Frank loved cooking, golf, cards and his visits to the casino. His greatest love was time spent with his family, whether at home or on trips together. His two grandchildren were precious to him. He was so proud of their accomplishments and their many visits when he was at Otsego Manor. Frank was a very caring man and a good friend to many.



Frank was predeceased by his brother George Amendola and his beloved son, Gary Francis Amendola.

Frank is survived by his brother Warren (Pat) Amendola of Centerport, N.Y.; his daughter, Kim (Tom) Downie of Oneonta, N.Y.; his daughter in law, Linda (Robert) Amendola Wayland-Smith of Pittsford, N.Y.; his grandchildren, Cheryl Lynn Downie and her partner, Joshua Horth of Newington, Connecticut and Thomas Scott Downie and his partner, Katie Sullivan of Rochester, NY. He is also survived by nephews and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the Resident Activity Fund at Otsego Manor, 128 Phoenix Mills Rd., Cooperstown, NY 13326, to support the activities he loved so much.

He always said, "If I can't be home, this is the next best place!"



The family is very thankful to the wonderful caring staff of Otsego Manor, as well as the residents, who became like a family to him. Frank was a member of the Men's Club, the dining committee and the Resident Advisory Council. During the last year, Frank participated in a painting class and many of his works now decorate the walls of Mountain Ridge!



A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church 31 Elm St., Cooperstown, N.Y. at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 31, 2010, with the Father John Rosson, pastor, as celebrant. Military honors will follow the service.

Condolences may be made online at www.lhpfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are made by Lewis, Hurley, & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St. Oneonta.