M.J. Colucci & Son Funeral Chapel

FRANK J. ACCARDO

( January 23, 2014 )

Frank J. Accardo, 88, of Niagara Falls, NY passed away on Thursday, January 23, 2014 at his residence.

Born in Niagara Falls, NY he was the son of the late John and Anna (Adriatico) Accardo.

Frank was a lifelong resident of Niagara Falls, NY and attended local schools. He graduated from the former Trott Vocational High School in 1944 and later attended Niagara University.

On November 8, 1952 he married Mary Catherine "Katie" (Giles) Accardo at Sacred Heart Church in Niagara Falls.

In 1963, he started the Accardo Agency, Inc. in Niagara Falls, which is currently operated by his sons. Prior to that, he was employed at the Hooker Chemical Co. also in Niagara Falls.

Frank was a sports enthusiast and excelled in athletics. On several occasions he achieved all star status in area basketball and softball leagues. As a high school student, he was a member of the football and basketball teams, often being the team's high scorer, and was named to area All League teams. Following high school he went on to play sports at Niagara University and later played semi-pro football with the Hamilton Tiger Cats as well as trying out for the Buffalo Bills football team. In recognition of Frank's athletic accomplishments he was inducted into the Niagara Falls City School District Hall of Fame in 2006.

Frank was also active in local politics and civic organizations and was a former member of the Niagara Falls Board of Education. But Frank's greatest passion was his family, especially his grandchildren who were the light of his life.

In addition to his wife of sixty one years, Frank is survived by three children John Accardo of Niagara Falls, NY; Paul (Maria) Accardo of Grand Island, NY and Kathleen (Tim) Polka of Niagara Falls, NY; six grandchildren; one sister Florence (late Peter) Vaccarella, one brother Dr. Joseph, Sr. (late Antoinette) Accardo and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by one sister Beatrice (late Samuel) Cerminara.

Visitation will be on Sunday from 2 – 7 p.m. at the M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY. Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Monday January 27th at 9:30 a.m. at St. Mary of the Cataract Church, 259 Fourth Street, Niagara Falls, NY with Rev. Jacek Mazur officiating.

Entombment in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston, NY.