Obituary of Francis A. Purritano Sr.

FRANCIS A. PURRITANO SR. Latham-Francis "Frank" Purritano Sr. passed away suddenly on Monday, June 4th 2018 with his loving wife of 62 years and his children by his side. He was 86 years old. Born October 28th, 1931, in Troy, NY he was the son of the late Carlo and Maria Pirritano. At the young age of 17, Frank enlisted as a sailor in the US Navy. Completing his duties, Frank returned to Troy, NY and while attending a clam steam in Latham, NY Frank met the love of his life, Catherine Purritano. A year later they married on June 19th, 1955 and moved to Green Island, NY. They joined the Italian Fraternal Society which is where Frank worked as a bar tender while Catherine was a waitress. Their love for entertaining extended into their home, having family and friends over weekly for delicious home cooked dinners, good wine and lots of laughs. Frank also spent his time with the SW Pitts Fire Company in Latham, NY as a volunteer fire fighter, was a member of the Elks Club and also served as a member of the Latham Colonie K of C Council of the Knights of Columbus. By 1963 Frank and Catherine had five small children of their own. Catherine took care of the home and children while Frank worked at the Allegheny Ludlum Steel Mill in Watervliet, NY for 35 years becoming Supervisor, before retiring. He was the happiest though when on the little league fields watching his children play sports. Nights often ended with a house full of his kids and friends for a home cooked dinner. Frank and Catherine never said no to anyone wanting to spend time in the Purritano household. Having raised a beautiful family of his own, he found pure joy in the second part of his life as a Grandfather. Having 11 grandchildren, he again was found at the sidelines of many sporting events, graduations, dance recitals, Birthdays, vacations and family dinners. He felt tremendously blessed to also become a Great Grandfather in August of 2011 and went on to have a total of five great grandchildren, one of which was born on his Birthday. He was grateful to be able to share in their momentous occasions as well. Frank is survived by his children Frank, Joseph and daughter-in-law Mary, Marie and daughter-in-law Jill; stepson Albert Beauregard; grandchildren, Lauren, David, Scott, Anthony, Anastasia, Joseph, Frankie, Matthew, Nicholas, Austin and Victoria; great grandchildren, Rocco, Duke, Presley, Elijah and Shiloh. He was preceded in death by his children, Debra Simon (Purritano) and Michael; brother Vincent Puritano; brother-in-law's, Jim, Tom and John Parker and is survived by sister-in-law's Joan McCarthy, Judy Parker, Margaret Ann Puritano and Mary Parker; brother-in-law's, George and Bill Parker. He is also survived by his half brothers Caesar Mantello, Tony Mantello and cousins Betty Foley and Mary Carnevale. Visitation will be Friday June 8th, 2018 from 3pm-7pm at the Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, 149 Old Loudon Rd, Latham NY. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, June 9th, 2018 at 9am in St. Ambrose Church, 347 Old Loudon Rd, Latham, NY with Rev. Brian Kelly officiating. Procession will immediately follow to St. Mary's Cemetery, 79 Brunswick Rd, Troy, NY. The family is kindly requesting that NO FLOWERS be sent. In lieu of flowers, if you would like to make a donation please consider The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in honor of Frank's late daughter, Debra Simon and/or to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation in honor of Frank's late son, Michael Purritano. For directions, information, to light a memory candle for the family please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com.