Frank P. Tomei

Frank P. Tomei, age 97, passed away on Wednesday, February 28, 2018 with his family by his side at Danbury Hospital in Danbury, CT.

Frank was born on April 4, 1920 in East Boston, MA to Joseph and Vincenza (Napoli) Tomei. He graduated from a vocational high school in Manhattan in 1936. Frank proudly enlisted and served in the US Navy Aviation Ordinance Crew VS65, as a pilot and aviation mechanic during WWII. He served in the South Pacific, on the tiny atoll of Funafuti. Throughout his life, he frequently shared stories of his time in the service, wearing his Navy hat daily and keeping in touch with men from his outfit.

Frank married the love of his life, Pauline Tedone, on September 29, 1946 at Immaculate Conception Church in the Bronx. Pauline predeceased him on September 29, 2016, on their 70th wedding anniversary. Frank and Pauline raised their family in the Bronx until moving to Blooming Grove, NY in 1982, where they lived for 16 years before moving to Cornwall-on-the-Hudson, NY in 1998. More recently, they had lived at the Plaza at Clover Lake in Carmel, NY. Frank was a dedicated husband and family man, always involved with and helping friends and family at every opportunity. He was generous with his time and efforts, happy to lend a hand. Although Frank was a Renaissance man of many talents, he truly lit up when surrounded by his loved ones, as did his family when they were with him. He imparted a presence of gentle strength and warm love to everyone he met.

Frank was a Fine Finish Carpenter, owning his own carpentry business, Frank Tomei Carpentry, in the Bronx, NY. Prior to his career in carpentry, he was a stock analyst and tracing specialist on Wall Street. As a young man, Frank was a delivery driver for 10 years with Oscar Kohl in the Bronx, NY.

Frank was an excellent golfer; he really enjoyed the game. With great enthusiasm, he imparted golfing instruction and tips to others. Frank excelled at billiards and bowling, as well. He was a longtime bowling league member and won many trophies. Frank was an avid Yankees fan, having played baseball in his youth and as a young adult. Frank learned to use a computer in his 80s, enjoying flight simulator and World War II games, email, writing a blog for his friends, and even joining Facebook, well into his 90s. Frank was known for his vibrant sense of humor, discriminating taste in foods and desserts, industrious work ethic, detailed stories, and love of friends, family, and animals.

Frank is survived by his son, Frank Tomei (Linda) of Alexander, IA and daughter, Elaine Wolfson (Alan) of Brewster, NY; two granddaughters, Stephanie Sandler (Terry) and Natalie Wolfson-Ford (Ryan), who he affectionately referred to as his “Sweetie Pies;” and two great granddaughters, Madeline and Margo Sandler, his “Little Sweetie Pies.” Also several nieces and nephews, including his niece, Eileen Armour of Leesburg, FL. He was predeceased by his siblings, Anthony Tomei, Margaret Armour, and Grace Earley, a niece, Peggy Armour, and nephews, Arthur Respoli and Richard Tomei.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, March 5, 2018 at 10 am at St. Lawrence O’Toole Church in Brewster, NY. Entombment will follow at Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery, Poughkeepsie, NY. Friends may call at the Beecher Funeral Home, 1 Putnam Ave, Brewster, NY on Sunday from 2 pm- 6 pm. www.beecherfuneralhome.com

Contributions in Frank’s memory may be made to Hudson Valley Honor Flight, Attn: Donations; PO Box 375, Walden, NY 12583. http://hvhonorflight.com/donate/