Francis Pape

Francis “Frankie” James Pape, passed away peacefully, April 19, 2026, with loved ones by his side, at the Abraham House in Rome, NY.

Francis was born, February 8, 1935, in Utica, NY, a son of the late Joseph and Josephine (Marchione) Pape. He spent his childhood in East Utica, where every day brought fun and new adventures and he met and fell in love with his future wife, Frances Margaret Delaney, in January 1956. They were married three months later on April 7, 1956, and were together for over 53 years until Frances passed in 2010 and took part of his heart with her.

Frankie had countless hobbies and interests and pursued great passions. He enjoyed jazz and blues music, collecting vinyl records, watches, pens, coins, baseball cards and football cards, e-Bay sales, watching baseball and citing sports statistics, playing billiards, watching classic movies of the 40s and 50s, and going on estate sale hunts. He developed great friendships with those who shared these passions. He was a man of profound and abundant generosity and always showed great concern and love for others including our four-legged friends, especially Riley and Mama. He devoted his love, compassion, time and energy to people he loved. He made more daily trips to schools throughout his grandchildren’s years than some bus drivers. He dropped off care packages to sick friends, talked daily to grieving friends, and met weekly for coffee/breakfast gatherings with the East Utica gang to discuss politics, world events, and gossip. He was strong-willed, passionate, selfless, compassionate, giving, organized, patient, and accomplished at being flexible in his growth. He showed great interest in others who shared his hobbies. He had a diversity of friends and introduced new friends to existing ones. He was a member of perpetual adoration at St. Joseph/St. Patrick’s Church and always felt the presence of Jesus in his life.

He is survived by two sons, “Teddy” (Michelle) of Utica and Tim of Washington, DC; a daughter, JoAnn of Utica, with whom he shared a very special father-daughter relationship; three grandchildren who adored him as “Poppy”, Andre Washington (Junior), Alexandria Washington, and Abby Rodriguez; several great grandchildren, who were all special to him, Andre III, Messiah, Isabella, Abrielle (who he called his little darling), Elianna, Armello, and his namesake, Avaleigh James. He also leaves behind two adopted daughters, Laura and Ellie; sister-in-law, Carole Pape; a special cousin, Patty Pape Dewey; and close friends, Bonnie, Paula, Nick, and Hector, who were all special people in his life. He was cared for until the end by P.A. Julie Gorczinski, who he called a miracle worker. He was predeceased by his only brother, Vincent “Vinnie” Pape; and a special aunt, Grace Marchione.

In accordance with Frankie’s wishes, there will be no public services. His family honored him privately at this time. He has been laid to rest in Calvary Cemetery, in Utica, with his beloved wife, Frances.

Donations can be made in his memory to Spring Farm Cares at springfarmcares.org in honor of our furry friends: Abraham House of Utica at theabrahamhouse.org or Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc. at hospicecareinc.org

Online memorials at MattFuneralHome.com

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