Francis R. Taormina

Niskayuna - Francis R. Taormina, loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother departed this earth on October 7, 2024 at the age of 95.

The son of Sicilian immigrants, Francis (Frank) was born in the Bronx, New York City on January 6, 1929.  Frank’s family later moved to Marlboro, NY. where they purchased a farm supporting Apple, Peach and Grape Orchards as well as limited livestock.  Frank often spoke of growing up on the farm – which for many years had no electricity or running water. Surrounded by family, Frank was especially attached to his Grandmother Josephine Marotta and recalled his brother Bob and extended family with great love and affection. Frank attended elementary school at the “Button Factory” from the third grade and later graduated from Marlboro High School one year early earning a Regent’s Scholarship. Always an excellent and curious student, Frank attended Union College in Schenectady, New York majoring in history.  Frank joined the Beta Theta Pi fraternity during his time at Union and has always been active with the college, serving in various ways including the Union College Board of Trustees and as President of the Alumni Association.

During his time at Union, Frank met Mildred Carey and fell in love. The couple were married in September 1952 at St. John the Evangelist Church in Schenectady. After their wedding, they moved to California where Frank fulfilled his enlistment at Monterey Army Language School learning to speak Russian.  Recognizing his wife’s yearning for her home and family, Frank was honorably discharged from the Army in 1954 and he and Mildred moved back to the Capital Region to the town of Broadalbin where Frank began his career in education (simultaneously teaching multiple subjects and performing janitorial services as well as driving a school bus!).  He was subsequently offered a position at Niskayuna Central Schools where he taught social studies at both the Junior and Senior High School levels. Throughout his life, former students reached out to him to express their appreciation for his talents as a teacher and mentor.  He was eventually asked to serve in the school Administration, first at Van Antwerp Junior High School and then as Principal of Niskayuna High School from 1968 until moving to the position of Assistant Superintendent for instruction in 1983.  Frank retired from Niskayuna serving in his last post as interim superintendent in June,1986.

During his time at Niskayuna, Frank earned the respect and love of his colleagues and students. Frank is attributed to founding Niska-Day, an annual celebration that the community continues to enjoy.  In his retirement, Frank focused his energies on spending time with Mildred his wife of over 40 years, his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Frank also had many friends through the years that he made sure to stay current with.  Frank followed his passion for history as well – researching, reading, photographing and writing.  He published two historic pamphlets on the topic of Phillip Schuyler and William Johnson – both which were sold at the historic sites attributed to these figures. Frank spent many years presenting to interested groups regarding local history surrounding topics including Schenectady architecture, the Erie Canal, Charles Steinmetz, Union College, Vale Cemetery and myriad others.  Frank served for many years as a literacy volunteer at the City Mission of Schenectady – always looking for ways to serve the community with meaning and engagement.

The family camp, purchased by Frank and Mildred in 1976 has served the family as a wonderful place to gather and as a retreat loved by Frank for many years. Frank was a model of kindness, gratitude and service.  He was a deeply spiritual and thoughtful person endowing all who loved him with a sense of humanity, humility and gratitude.

Frank was pre-deceased by his wife Mildred and his grandson Jason Francis Constantino. Frank is survived by his loving family; Mary and George Dirolf, Ann Taormina and Randi Ludwig, Peter and Kim Taormina and Kate and Erik Constantino, 11 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren, his brother Bob and wife Cathy as well as four nieces and three nephews.

The family is forever indebted to the kindness, professionalism, skill and compassion of the staff at Kingsway Manor and at St. Peters Hospital.

Services will include a wake at the Jones Funeral home 2020 Central Avenue Colonie, NY 12205 on Friday October 11, 2024 from 4 to 7 PM and a Mass of Christian Burial at St. John’s the Evangelist Church on Union Street, Schenectady, New York on Saturday October 12, 2024 at 10 AM. Interment services will be held following the funeral at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery.

“It’s your humanity that obligates you to respect others”

~Francis R. Taormina

August 26, 2019

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the City Mission of Schenectady, New York (www.citymission.com), Special Olympics (wwwspecialolympics.org), and the Schenectady County Historical Society (www.schenectadyhistorical.org).