Frank Anthony Pardi

Mr. Frank Anthony Pardi, 72, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 2016 at the VA Hospital in Syracuse. Frank was born in Utica on February 21, 1944, a twin son of Americo and Carmella (Passalacqua) Pardi. He was educated in Mt. Carmel School and was a graduate of TR Proctor High School, where he excelled in basketball. Always active physically, Frank played MUNY League Softball and later worked as an umpire for several years. He also was a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus, where he played on the Suicide Basketball League and was the first inductee into the Suicide League Hall of Fame. In 1967, Frank enlisted in the US Army and served two years in Vietnam; and following his tour of duty, 20 years in the Army reserve. Frank was employed with the Utica Parking Authority for 20 years and worked part time at Joe's Pizza for more than 20 years. Frank loved joking around and having a good time, a trait he shared with his twin brother and his kids. He also enjoyed watching Abbott and Costello movies, and especially loved their "Who's on First" routine. In fact, he loved it so much that at the age of 4, his eldest son Marc had the routine memorized and would recite it with his dad. Frank was an avid sports fan. His favorite teams were the Redskins, the Knicks and, of course, the New York Yankees. He was such a huge fan of Mickey Mantle that he had a tattoo on his calf of the NY symbol with the number 7 behind it in honor of Mantle. He'd also watch his sons play softball, but never missed an opportunity to yell at the other team when he had the chance. Frank passed his sense of humor along to his kids, still joking years later about the time they went to the baseball field and young Frank flung his bat backward when he got a hit-landing squarely on his dad's shin. Frank Sr. would jokingly say that was the reason he couldn't walk later in life. His friends and family will always remember how much he adored Elvis Presley, even dressing like him at times. Frank was a fixture at the Marr-Logg restaurant in East Utica, eating breakfast there every Friday that he could with his son Marc. He is survived by his two sons and daughters-in-law, Marc and Kimberly Pardi, Utica, and Frankie and Kristina Pardi, Whitesboro; daughter and son-in-law, Kristyn and Jonathon Kronafel, Oriskany; grandchildren, Angelus and Vincent Pardi, and Mckenzie and Nathan Kronafel; his twin brother and sister-in-law, Dominic and Paula Pardi, Clinton, three nephews, Paul and Bill Pardi, Seattle and Dominic "Chip" Pardi, FL; and many cousins. His Funeral with Military Honors will be held on Tuesday at 9 a.m. from The Matt Funeral Home and at 10 a.m. at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery. Relatives and friends may call on Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. at The Matt Funeral Home, 700 Rutger St., corner of Mohawk St., Utica. The family would like to offer their gratitude to the staff of Comfort Care at the VA Hospital for their care and compassion shown to Frank in his final days. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Frank's memory to the VA Rehab Program at Sitrin HCC or the VA Outreach Program in Utica. Donations may be made at the funeral home. For directions to the funeral home, click the link above.

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