Paul T. "Pop" Grates

Paul T. “Paulie” Grates (aka “Pop”), age 73, a lifelong Frankfort resident, passed away peacefully on Tuesday evening, November 14, 2023, at the MVHS Wynn Hospital. Throughout his illness and passing Paulie’s devoted family and friends never left his side.

Born on April 24, 1950, Paul was the son of the late Joseph F. Grates, Jr. and Pauline (McFaul) Polizzi. He was raised and educated locally, graduating with the Frankfort-Schuyler High School Class of 1969. At one time, he shared in a marriage with Anne (Daley) Grates, a relationship from which came the blessing of two sons.

If you spent more than a month in Frankfort you either knew him, saw him, or he knew you! Paul was born, raised, and worked in Frankfort. After graduation he spent his entire career as a welder for Mohawk Metals. He loved to walk or drive around his hometown streets. Before finally breaking down and getting a cell phone, if he wasn’t home and you needed him—a safe bet was the local coffee shop. He loved hanging with his buddies, being informed about the local gossip and breaking chops with everyone who came in and out each morning.

Paul was a generous man. Even though he never had much money, he always donated to various local organizations. When it came to donating his time, he gave countless hours of his life to the Frankfort Kiwanis Club. During his 33 years with the club he loved to shop for and wrap gifts for local children at Christmas time, parked cars at the county fair, helped run the annual Punt, Pass & Kick contest, earned numerous perfect attendance awards, and served as club President in 1995. However, during the Spring of 1997 he sat on the board which selected the Outstanding Teenager Award, and he did not vote for Kelly Plano. This decision would haunt him for years, as Kelly became his daughter-in-law in 2002. She razzed him for 21 straight years about not selecting her, and it was just last week that she finally forgave him! As a father with two sons, Kelly truly did become the daughter Paul never had. They had a special relationship, and his life was significantly better due to all Kelly did for him through the years.

Paulie loved sports. He was a diehard NY Yankees fan. After being born in the Spring of 1950 the Yanks won 4 consecutive World Series. During his lifetime he got to see the team win 15 total championships. What he didn’t get to see was the Yankees fire Aaron Boone, and he’ll surely get in George Steinbrenner’s ear about that now that he’s in Heaven. Speaking of things he never got to see, no human can live long enough to see the Buffalo Bills win a Super Bowl! He was a Bills fan, and leaves behind two sons who will never forgive him for passing that team on to them. But the teams he loved the most were any of the Frankfort-Schuyler Maroon Knights. He went to hundreds of games to support all of the various squads home and away. This Fall he had the opportunity to watch his grandson, Conner’s, soccer team go undefeated, while winning a league championship. He was there for every game his granddaughter, Jenna, played during her first modified soccer season. And while he wasn’t able to attend the football team’s most recent Section III championship game last week, it was one of the last stories he heard—and he smiled.

The story of Paul’s life cannot be told without highlighting the five humans he loved the most in this world, his Grandchildren. In 2005 he became known as “Pop.” Tyler, Conner, Jenna, Julian, and Bella were his everything. Pictures of them hung all over his home, gifts from them were proudly displayed, and he was present at every event they had. He could never be around them enough, and through the medical battles they served as his motivation to keep fighting. He wanted to get better so he could be at the next game or event. He said repeatedly that he wouldn’t give up because he wanted to see them all grow up. After a long battle this past April he was able to get himself healthy enough to see Tyler graduate from High School, a truly special moment for both of them. Each of his grandchildren loved him dearly, and they will forever cherish the time they had with their Pop.

Paul is survived by his two sons, Scott Grates and wife, Kelly, of Frankfort and PJ Grates and Hanna Yifru of Virginia; his five grandchildren, Tyler, Conner, Jenna, Julian and Bella; his sisters, JoAnn Volz and husband, Patrick, of Layton, Utah and Philamine Burks of Alvarado, Texas; along with several nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family. He also leaves his dedicated friends, Bill and Kathy Evans, Peter and Cindy Pianella, John and Val Ackley, Jim Maida, Ron Gatto and Justin Vallone. Paul was able to remain in his home until his passing because of the dedication of his nurse, caregiver, and friend Barb DiGeorgio.

He was predeceased by his parents, his brother Joseph Grates, as well as nephews, Patrick Volz and Joseph F Grates IV.

Friends and relatives are invited to attend visitation for Paulie on Friday from 11:00AM – 2:00PM at the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Town of Frankfort, Ilion, NY (315) 894-8000. Members of the Frankfort Kiwanis Club will gather at the funeral home at 1:45PM to pay their respects as a group.

Paul’s funeral service will commence at 2:00PM at the funeral home, immediately upon the conclusion of visitation with Deacon James Bower officiating. Procession will follow to Mt. Olivet Cemetery where his earthly remains will be laid to rest with his parents.

Following all formal services, family and close friends are invited to a Celebration of Life which will take place at the Frankfort American Legion located at 128 Litchfield Street from 4:00PM – 7:00PM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to the Frankfort Kiwanis Club, PO Box 333, Frankfort, NY 13340. An annual scholarship will be awarded to one Frankfort-Schuyler student athlete each year at graduation in Paul’s name. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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