Frank J. LaPuma

Frank J. LaPuma, age 93, beloved patriarch of the LaPuma family, passed away peacefully on Sunday afternoon, September 7, 2025, surrounded by the love and support of his family.

Born in Frankfort on June 28, 1932, Frank was the only son of the late Paul and Mary (Dannacchi) LaPuma. His childhood years were spent in Frankfort where he grew up and graduated from Frankfort schools. Subsequently, he went on to earn his associate’s degree before receiving the calling to enlist with the United States Army. He would go on to proudly serve his country overseas with the 2nd Infantry Division during the Korean War, being honorably discharged in 1954.

After the war, Frank went on to continue his education, obtaining a Bachelor of Science from Utica College in 1956 and a Master of Education from Oneonta State in 1961. His career as an educator would span thirty-three years teaching sixth grade for the Herkimer Central School District.

He would retire in 1991, only to continue tutoring for thirty years, helping over 100 students achieve passing grades in high school math, earth science and on the SATs. His brilliant mind carried with him into his nineties, and he was even aiding students in Regents exams this past summer. He was truly an intelligent and gifted man who shared his talents with the generations that followed. He would earn the Hannaford Humanitarian Award and the Herkimer County Humanitarian Award for his achievements.

On August 22, 1959, Frank was married to the former Marie Cattat in St. Mary’s Church in Frankfort and together they shared a love that spanned over sixty-six years. Their dedication, support and love for one another was truly an inspiration to their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Frank was an athlete from an early age and throughout his college years, played basketball for Utica College at the junior varsity and varsity levels; even holding a record for scoring 13 foul shots, and a total of 23 points, against Oswego State in a junior varsity game in the 1950s.

As an adult, he enjoyed bowling and for many years participated in the Frankfort Community League. One of his best games was a league sanctioned 3-game series of which he scored a 722 (256, 256, 210).

Throughout his life, Frank held an irrefutable love for the New York Yankees and he followed them meticulously up until his very last days. He kept an immaculate journal of their downfalls and successes and was their unofficial (and unpaid!) statistician and bookkeeper. It was a hobby that truly helped to keep his mind sharp.

Another love for Frank throughout his life was that of music. He played in the Frankfort Veterans Band as well as for La Banda Rosa over a span of 65 years as a percussionist. He was also the Personnel Director and Payroll Supervisor for those organizations for some of that tenure.

Frank’s Catholic faith was very important to him from the time he was young, serving as an altar boy all through high school. He helped to start the Lector Program at the former St. Mary’s Church, where he also served as an Usher, Eucharistic Minister and as a member of the Parish Council for many years. He codirected the Bishop’s Appeal back in the day when street canvasing was being utilized. He was a faithful and steadfast attendee of Sunday Mass and believed in the power of prayer.

Amongst all of Frank’s accolades and achievements, perhaps the proudest moments in his life came from his roles as father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was selfless, caring and giving of himself in every way for the ones he loved, acting as a father figure to so many beyond just his own children. He instilled old-fashioned values and stressed the importance of tradition in his family. His legacy will live on in those he leaves behind.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Marie; his children, Lori Chapman of Utica, Paul and Amy LaPuma of Little Falls, Frank and Natalie LaPuma of Ilion and Mary Catherine LaPuma of Pasadena, Maryland; his grandchildren, Sierra Wilson, David and Jena Ashley, Joel LaPuma, Eric and Jennifer Ashley, Jace LaPuma, Desiree Madore, Dominique Madore, Frank C. LaPuma and Olivia LaPuma; his great-grandchildren, Landon, Azure, Lia, Hayden, Luca, Elliana, Henry and Cecelia; and his sister, Ann McKevitt of Utica; along with a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents, Paul and Mary; his parents-in-law, Frank and Catherine Cattat; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Martha and Eugene Cobb, Grace LaPuma, Connie LaPuma, Frances and Donald Varin and Peter McKevitt; and his in-laws, Carol and Leo Barr and George Cattat.

A special thank you is extended to Bassett Healthcare Network’s Little Falls Hospital, specifically the staffs of the ER and 3-East, for the compassion and care shown to Frank and his family throughout the final part of his life’s journey.

Friends and relatives are invited to attend visitation for Frank on Wednesday, September 10, 2025 from 4:00PM – 7:00PM at the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Town of Frankfort, Ilion, NY (315) 894-8000. Prayers will be offered by Pastor Tim Parisi at 7:00PM to conclude the evening.

Frank’s funeral service will commence on Thursday morning, September 11, 2025 at 9:30AM at the funeral home and at 10:30AM at Our Lady Queen of Apostles Church in Frankfort, where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Paul Catena, Pastor. Procession will follow to Mt. Olivet Cemetery where Frank’s earthly remains will be laid to rest and military honors conferred.

For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial contributions to the Frank J. Lapuma Memorial Scholarship Fund c/o Frankfort-Schuyler High School, 605 Palmer Street, Frankfort, NY 13340. This fund will be established to annually honor a high school student pursuing an advanced degree in education.

The LaPuma family has entrusted the care of their beloved husband and father to the Enea, Ciaccia and Applegate funeral directors. Online notes of sympathy may be left at www.eneafamily.com.