Frank Cancelino

Mr. Frank A. Cancelino, age 79, a resident of Herkimer and a well known area photographer, passed away on Tuesday, April 22, 2003, at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Utica. Frank was born on May 27, 1923, in Herkimer. After attending Herkimer schools, he was employed by National Automotive Fibers in Little Falls, making upholstery for Dodge cars until he entered the Army in December 1943. His service in World War II commenced with basic training at Fort McClellan. Without furlough he was then assigned to the 39th Infantry of the 9th Infantry Division as a machine gunner in Bizerte after traveling across North Africa. Separated from the 9th Division as a combat team, he participated in the invasion of Sicily for the removal of the German Army. He then rejoined the infantry division in Palermo and was later sent to England to train for the invasion of France. With a classification of D4, he entered France and was assigned to clear an area of snipers and re-assemble the 9th Infantry Division. At Seignosse he and his company were met and fired upon by a German tank. Frank was hit by a shell and was hospitalized in England for three months after which he was sent back to France to rejoin his division. In the Battle of the Bulge, rushing to take the Remagen Bridge, the 9th Division proceeded to the Elbe River in Germany and waited to meet the Russians. After fulfilling his military obligations, Frank was assigned to the Armor Division and was discharged on September 23, 1945. Frank's time in the military earned him two invasion stars, six battle stars, rank of staff sergeant and three Purple Hearts. Upon his return, he worked as a supervisor at National Automotive Fibers. On September 14, 1946, he was married to Jemma Giangregorio at St. Anthony's Church in Herkimer. The following year he apprenticed at Utica Camera for a position in the camera department at Munger's in Herkimer. In 1951, he moved to California where he first worked as an inspector at an aircraft plant while attending L.A. Valley Community College. He later worked in a Hollywood film studio doing photography work. In 1955 he returned to Herkimer, started work as a freelance photographer and opened the Lil' Chief Diner which he co-owned and operated for ten years. Throughout this time, his reputation steadily grew as being the area's most sought after photographer, opening the Frank A. Cancelino Portrait Studio which became Alan Studio and eventually Jet Photo. Frank was an ardent downhill skier and golfer, at one time being a partner in Shumaker Ski Mountain and a longtime member of the Mohawk Valley Country Club. He served on various Herkimer planning boards, was past commander of the Herkimer VFW; a state commander of the Purple Heart, commander of Purple Heart Chapter 130; and a lifetime member of the Herkimer Elk's, the VFW and the Professional Photographer's of America. Frank is survived by his wife, Jemma; his son, Alan Cancelino and his wife Susan of Herkimer; a daughter, Sheila Cancelino Sanders and husband David of Frankfort; grandchildren, Alan F. Cancelino of New York City, Lisa Cancelino Scherer and husband Scott of Herkimer and Frank and Davina Sanders of Frankfort, two great grandchildren, Devin and Mitchell Scherer of Herkimer; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; in-laws, Frank DeJohn, Lucy Conte, Rose Evola and Jennie and Sonny Giangregorio; and many special friends, including a close friend, Jack Casey, and also remembering all of his brothers at the Herkimer Elk's. He was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Lucy (Scarano) Cancelino; a brother, Sam Cancelino; in-laws, Tony Evola, Bessie and Nick Maneen and Florence and Nick Giangregorio; and a sister, Eva DeJohn. In honor of Frank's wishes cremation has taken place under the direction of the Holleran-Enea Funeral Home, 220 N. Washington St., Herkimer. There are no public calling hours. Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial mass on Saturday, April 26, at noon at the Church of Sts. Anthony and Joseph, South Main Street, Herkimer with the Rev. Robert Shinos, pastor, officiating. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Herkimer, where full military rites will be offered along with a color guard offered by members of the Herkimer VFW. Frank prepared for this tribute by inscribing a camera with a flash on his headstone with the inscription, "Life was a Snap." Immediately following the cemetery service the family will receive guests at the Herkimer Elk Lodge for fellowship. The Elk's will hold ritual in memory of Frank at the lodge on Saturday at 2:15 p.m. By family request please omit flower offerings. Those wishing are asked to remember Frank with donations to a scholarship fund that will be established in his name at Herkimer County Community College, c/o P.O. Box 723, Herkimer, NY 13350.