Obituary of Frank P. Gagliostro

Frank Gagliostro passed away Friday September 19 at home. Frank was born January 10, 1921 in Auburn, New York. He was the son of Joseph and Flora Carbone Gagliostro, immigrants from Sinnopoli, Reggio Calabria, Italy. He played trumpet with the Purple Lancers and Columbian Squires as a boy. He graduated from High School and served in the United States Army Air Force in World War II. He was a tail gunner in a B 24 Liberator. He flew 50 missions with his crew in their aircraft "the Lonesome Polecat", most notably over the oil fields in Ploesti Romania. After the war, he worked at Bell Aircraft in Buffalo New York. At a dance, in a blizzard he met Cecelia Reszka, the love of his life. They returned to Auburn and had two daughters, Linda and Flora. Frank worked for the United States Postal Service as a mail carrier. He retired from the Post Office. He worked at Homick's Men's store and appreciated fine apparel. He was devoted to his younger brother, Dominick and his family, (Sue Pasarello) Joseph and Gary. Frank enjoyed working around his house and cultivating a retreat there. He loved his neighbors. He loved to travel regularly to Canada, especially Crystal Beach and Florida with family and friends. He reveled in many conversations, breakfast and lunch outings with his friend, William (Bill) Kane. Frank was passionate about politics and voted in every election. He was a devoted Catholic and a member of St. Alphonsus Church. He served as an altar boy and usher for many years. He loved music, especially the voice of Luciano Pavarotti. He enjoyed watching baseball late into the night. He was fortunate to know and befriend John Miller of Peoria Illinois. John was a source of strength and support for Frank. He spoke often of his gratitude for Bill and John's acts of kindness. Over the last year his greatest pleasure was enjoying the sunshine through the windows in his patio. He relied on his caregivers and "dollies" including Barbara Marren, Sue Scouten, Kris Murphy-Clark, Cathy, Laura and Steve. Frank had a keen sense of humor, quiet dignity and finely tuned moral compass. He and his family are especially grateful to his medical providers Dr. Jeffrey Carlberg, Dr. James Connelly and their staff. All staff at Auburn Community Hospital provided exemplary compassionate care. Any time spent with Frank was precious. His memory will live with and sustain us forever. Contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to Hospice of the Finger Lakes or the Fingerlakes SPCA. Friends may call Sunday September 21 at Langham Funeral Home LLC 75 E. Genesee St from 4-7. A mass of Christian burial will be Monday September 22 at 9:30 at St. Alphonsus church Follwed by entombment in St. Jsoeph,s Cemetery Fleming. Online condolences may be left at www.Langham Funeral Home LLC.com.