Francis "Frank" A. Tomaino

Francis A. “Frank” Tomaino, 92, a resident of the Community at Sunset Wood in New Hartford, passed away peacefully, in the comfort of his home, on Friday, January 3, 2025.

Frank was born in Utica on May 23, 1932, a son of the late Frank and Rose (Calidonna) Tomaino. He was educated in local schools and graduated from TR Proctor High School in 1949. Frank served our country in the US Air Force during the Korean War.

After serving in the military, he graduated from Utica College in 1961 with a bachelor’s degree in English. He was also a member of the UC baseball team for three years.

A talented journalist, he started at the Utica Observer Dispatch in the early sixties as a stringer. He eventually became a full-time reporter and retired as City Editor in the 1990s.  To this day, he was Utica's resident historian, penning the popular "This Week in History" column for the Sunday newspaper since 1987. As City Editor, he wrote his "Frankly Speaking" column for many years. Frank also wrote a book, "History Just for the Fun of It," and was a regular guest on "The Joe Kelly Show," sharing his passion for local history with audiences far and wide.

He was a volunteer at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center gift shop and served as an active member and trustee of the Oneida County History Center. In recognition of his dedication and contributions, he was honored with the prestigious Living Legend Award.

As a local historian, he also enjoyed giving lectures and talks at various functions around town. He was a proud member of the Proctor Boys and always looked forward to their get-togethers.

He is survived by his beloved sister, Lillian Coppola; two nephews, Patrick (Alison) Coppola and Michael (Amy) Coppola; eight great-nieces and nephews; and eight great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews. He was predeceased by his brother-in-law, Pat Coppola.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial with Military Honors on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 10 a.m., at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Private interment will be in St. Agnes Cemetery.

The family would like to offer thanks to Dave Dudajek, Joe Kelly, John Pitarresi, Carl Saporito, and Pam Sperbeck for the friendship, care, and compassion shown to Frank for many years, and also the staff and residents of the Community at Sunset Wood for their kindness. He loved it there, and they made Frank's final days very happy.

In memory of Frank Tomaino, please consider donations to the Oneida County History Center, oneidacountyhistory.org  or envelopes will be available at the service.

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