Frank A. Mirabito

Frank Anthony Mirabito, 101, of Norwich, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 11, 2017 at the New York State Veterans Home, Oxford, NY. He was blessed with great health and wealth of family.

Born February 23, 1916, in Norwich, NY, Frank was the son of Salvatore and Josephine (Locantro) Mirabito. Frank was raised on Maydole Street, in Norwich, an area that he always fondly referred to as the “Italian section” of town. At an early age, Frank learned the game of golf by caddying at what is now the Canasawacta Country Club. On his way home, he would spend his earnings playing marbles or cards with his young friends, which began a lifelong relationship with a “good card game.” In 1940, Frank enlisted in the United States Army, and was stationed at Fort Dix, Trenton, NJ. On December 7, 1941, he awoke with the rest of the world to the news of Pearl Harbor. Frank’s unit was then assigned to Mt. Rainier near Seattle, WA to guard essential war assets. While there, he met the love of his life, Barbara Frances McGraw, of Litchfield, MN. After finding his “Minnesota girl,” he was moved with his unit to stand as a night guard along the California coastline. While stationed in Inglewood, CA, Frank and Barbara were married on October 9, 1943. Frank shipped out to serve in the South Pacific theater with the 25th infantry, “Tropical Lightning.” Following his honorable discharge in 1945 he returned to Norwich to eventually settle into the family home on Rexford Street where he and Barbara would grow and raise their family.

Frank owned and operated the Norwich Wallpaper and Paint store until his retirement at age 72. He was an accomplished golfer, bowler, softball pitcher, and avid card player. He found solace in the game of golf, a game that he competitively played until he was 99 years old. He was inducted into the Greater Norwich Golf Hall of Fame and the Greater Norwich Bowling Hall of Fame. He was past Commander of the American Legion Post 189, and a member of VFW Post 2782, in Norwich, and the Norwich Elks Lodge BPOE 1220.

Frank, often referred to as “King Kong,” was known for his historical memories of Norwich, his humor, his pride in his Italian-American heritage, and storytelling. His presence was always felt when he walked into a room because of his king-sized personality and his genuine interest in people. He connected with friends and strangers alike from all generations to share a story about the “good old days”, the meaning behind a good handshake, and the games he loved most.

Frank was most proud of his family. Frank and Barbara shared a life together for 64 years until Barbara’s death. They were blessed with 13 children: Frank and Janet Mirabito, of Victor, Patricia and Marvin VanHoover, of Buffalo, Barbara and Philip McGuire, of Norwich, Susan Ziesche, and former son-in-law, Edward Ziesche, of Minneapolis, MN, Mary Jane and David Barrows, of Norwich, Diane and John Hust, of Rochester, Dennis and Nancy Mirabito, of Norwich, Kathleen and Edward Coates, of Norwich, Kenneth and Lisa Mirabito, of Norwich, Judith and Michael Witte, of Brooklyn Park, MN, Elizabeth Mirabito, of Norwich, Laurie and Antulio Echevarria, of Carlisle, PA, and Timothy and Pamela Mirabito, of Norwich; 31 grandchildren: Kelly (John) Luther, Eric (Mejay) Mirabito, Raymond (Ann) Young, Ryan (Stephanie) VanHoover, Andy VanHoover, Joel Chiodi, Maggie McGuire, Maureen (Peter) Mirabito, John and Mike McGuire, Alan (Sarah) Ziesche, Lisa Mullin, Zach Barrows, Matthew and Timothy Hust, Katharine (Brian) Voss, Jonathan and Elizabeth Mirabito, Lindsey (Josh) Courage, Andrew Coates, Patrick (Kaitlin) Coates, Vanessa Mirabito, Ashley (Shane) Brunelle, Marlan and Cecelia Witte, Rachel, Grace, Matthew and James Echevarria, Megan and Gabrielle Mirabito; and 14 great-grandchildren: Jonathan and Abbey Luther, Alexander Koterba, Ava, Anna, Peter and Daniel Mirabito, Owen McGuire, Emma and Matthew Mullin, Isabelle and Connor Voss, Pemberley Young, and Maxwell Ziesche. Frank is also survived by brother, Frederick Mirabito, of Norwich, sister, Concetta Mirabito, of Binghamton, and several nieces and nephews. Frank was predeceased by brothers Joseph, James, and Salvatore “Toots” Mirabito.

Frank’s family is grateful to the many friends, extended family, and caregivers that were helpful to Frank in his later years, especially Maxine Munro and Virginia Hourning.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Frank will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 25th, 2017, at the Church of St. Bartholomew, in Norwich, where Rev. Ralph A. Bove, pastor, will officiate. Burial will immediately follow at St. Paul’s Cemetery with military honors. Friends are invited to call at the Wilson Funeral Home, in Norwich, on Thursday, August 24, 2017, from 4:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m.

Contributions in memory of Frank may be made to the Frank A. Mirabito Scholarship Fund, c/o Brian Voss, NBT Bank, 52 S. Broad St., Norwich, NY 13815. This scholarship will be awarded to outstanding athletes graduating from Norwich High School. The Church of St. Bartholomew, 73 East Main St., Norwich, NY 13815, or All Animals Matter, P.O. Box 369, Oxford, NY 13830.