Obituary of Franklin D'Aurizio

As a first generation Italian-American, Franklin was born on November 1, 1932, to Domenico and Eugenia Primavera D’Aurizio in Fairport, NY. Frank passed on May 8, 2024, in Winter Springs, Florida, and is predeceased by brothers, Alfonso and Dominick, and stepson, Bradley J.M. Smith. Frank is survived by his wife, Mary Joyce Fisher; the mother of his children, Julie D’Aurizio; sons, John, Tom (Heidi), Kurt; daughter, Jenny (David) Curtis; stepdaughters, Karri (Dr. Chip) Edwards and Anna Smith (Mario Olivas). He was blessed with grandchildren, Benjamin, Max, Jacob (Ellie), Isabella D’Aurizio and Mary Kathryn, Bradley, and Isabella Smith, and nieces. 

He graduated from Geneva High School and received a Bachelor’s in Science in economics and ROTC training at Hobart College. He entered the Air Force in Air Command and received many honors and commendations. Franklin would have loved an Air Force career but felt obligated to the family businesses in Geneva. He graduated from Syracuse Law School, passed the bar in both Florida and New York, and began his law career in Rochester. Franklin served as a law clerk in Monroe County Courts, as Irondequoit Town Justice and performed weddings in Spanish and Italian. He retired in 2019 to enjoy winters in Florida. 

Frank cherished his Italian roots and traveled to Italy countless times as he initiated university and high school exchange programs. He fostered the Pescara Sister City Program with the Poltava Sister City. His networking with Italian Rotary, Kiwanis, and Lions Clubs brought opportunities to Monroe County and Pescara. Since Frank loved music, he studied violin in his youth and then went to the trumpet. He co-founded the Irondequoit Concert Band, Irondequoit Volunteer Ambulance, Italian American Community Center, and Italian American Sports Club. He served as Lt. Governor of Kiwanis, Commander and Life Member of the Rochester Power and Sail Squadron and its District 6 Law Officer, and NYS Parks Commissioner. He was a member of Christ the King Church, American Legion Post 134, Knights of Columbus, St. Cecilia’s Men’s Club, Sons of Italy, Sicilian Sports Club, Casa Italiana, Casalbordino Society, Irondequoit Historical Society, and the Rochester Yacht Club for 57 years. His hobbies included reading, classic movies, boating, traveling, all things Italian, and socializing. 

Calling hours will be held on Friday, May 24 from 4-8pm at Falvo Funeral Home (1295 Fairport Nine Mile Pt. Rd Webster, NY 14580.) His Mass of Christian Burial at St. Thomas the Apostle (4536 St Paul Blvd, Rochester, NY 14617) will be held on Saturday, May 25 at 11am. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Christ Our Light Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Sunset House (3746 St Paul Blvd, Rochester, NY 14617), Irondequoit Public Library Foundation, or any charity of one’s choosing.