Franco 'Frank' Cellupica

SCHENECTADY – Franco ‘Frank’ Cellupica, 88, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 22, 2023, with his loving family at his side. Frank was born in Isola del Lira, province of Frosinone, Italy on February 18, 1935, a son of Giuseppe and Giovanna D’Arpino Cellupica. He was educated in Italy and immigrated to America in 1959, settling in Schenectady. Frank was employed as a produce manager at Saveway for several years and in 1967, he was proud to open and operate Frank’s Discount Beer and Soda, complimented by fresh produce. He returned to Saveway, which became the P&C Market as a produce manager in 1970, and retired after many years of dedicated service in 2000. Frank was a devoted and loving husband and father, who shared his strong work ethic, Italian heritage, and Catholic faith with his family. He fully enjoyed his garden, harness, and dog racing, and in later years he could be found with his friends at the OTB. Frank was a lifelong devoted parishioner of St. Anthony’s Church, where he served as an Usher and volunteered every year at the annual Feasta. Frank was predeceased by his beloved wife of 63 years, Josephine ‘Roe’ Ruzza Cellupica; siblings, Maria, Lidia, Tonino, and Mimmo Cellupica, brothers-in-law, Giovanni Buratti, Ludovigo Belli, Giovanni Saccucci, Oberdan Pudico and Larry Ruzzo; and a sister-in-law, Nancy Pantano. He is survived by his devoted children, Tina Sharifipour, Dane and Mecha Cellupica; adoring grandchildren Sofia (Sean) Donovan and Sarah (Tom) Stockwell of Schenectady, and great-grandson Rowan Stockwell; loving siblings, Renato and Donna Cellupica, Annita, Ginetta and Guido (Maria) Cellupica, sisters-in-law, Nannina Gabriele and Maria Moyano; brother-in-law, Richard Ruzza; and many nieces and nephews. A special, heartfelt thank you to daughter-in-law, Mecha Cellupica, for taking such good care of Dad throughout the course of his illness and during his final days. Your kindness and steadfast loyalty meant the world not only to him, but the whole family as well. The Cellupica family is grateful to his caregivers with Schenectady Hospice; Tara Mandinec, Paul Kotecki, Peter Lauber and Jared Maratas for their kindness, compassion and empathy. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Frank’s memory to Mohawk Hudson Humane Society or St. Jude's. Private Services will be held at Rossi & Ditoro Home. The interment will take place in St. Anthony’s Cemetery.

Franco 'Frank' Cellupica

February 18, 1935 - December 22, 2023