On September 27, 2025, Frank Cappellino passed peacefully at home, at age 91, surrounded by his loving family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Amedeo and Josephine Cappellino, and his grandson, Connor MacMillan. He is survived by his devoted wife of 66 years, Nancy Walpole Cappellino, and their six beloved children: Cori Scott, Rick (Ada) Cappellino, Greg Cappellino, John (Katheryn) Cappellino, Margaret (Steve) Ribble, and Juliet (Mark) MacMillan. He also leaves behind four cherished grandchildren — Stephen (Sydnee) Ribble, Sarah Ribble, Jack MacMillan and Patrick MacMillan — along with many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his brother, Richard. 

Frank’s life was defined by his Catholic faith, devotion to family, gentle nature and great sense of humor. He was part of the first graduating class of Sutherland High School in Pittsford, NY. He went on to attend the University of Notre Dame. His years there not only deepened his knowledge but also strengthened his spiritual convictions, shaping the values that guided him as a husband, father and friend. Frank’s love for ND never faded — he always cheered passionately for the Fighting Irish and often wore his blue and gold.  

After graduation, Frank served his country in the U.S. Army as a Communications Specialist, spending two years stationed in Iceland. When he returned home, the most meaningful chapter of his life began — marrying his high school sweetheart, Nancy. Together, they shared 66 years of love, laughter and partnership, and raised a family that was the center of Frank’s world. Frank and Nancy shared a long and fulfilling marriage filled with adventures. They especially enjoyed long drives, including traveling across the United States together and visiting many countries in Europe. A highlight for them was celebrating their 50th anniversary on the islands of Oahu and Kauai, Hawaii.  

Family was always at the heart of Frank’s life. He began his career working alongside his father (a first-generation Italian immigrant) at A. Cappellino and Sons in the Rochester Public Market, before venturing into several businesses with his children’s assistance. With Dollar-A-Day Rent-A-Car, he created countless teaching moments — from washing cars endlessly to jump-starting Ford Pintos in freezing weather. Through Flip Side Records, he taught his kids valuable lessons in retail sales, cashiering, inventory and loss prevention. Frank eventually found his true calling in real estate as a broker, where he delighted clients with his honesty, warmth, exceptional service and always humorous disposition. At work, he was always the one willing to do silly things to help fundraise. From participating in the Muscular Dystrophy’s Jail-n-Bail fundraiser by being “arrested” at work, to being dunked in the dunking machine on Main Street in Pittsford, he would do anything to help others. And no office party (or any event) would be complete without his famous deviled eggs!   

Frank taught not through long speeches, but through example. He instilled in his children the importance of hard work, loyalty, accountability, courage, perseverance, honesty, and above all, faith in God. A devout Catholic, he served others quietly and humbly. He not only volunteered to chaperone at an overnight shelter for the homeless, but he also ensured families in need could celebrate Christmas, guided Scouts as a Scout Master, and supported his neighborhood by creating the Sherwood Homeowners Association, which helped neighbors connect with each other by reading the Neighborhood Newsletters that he created and hand distributed. He also organized the neighborhood holiday driveway luminaries, and hand-delivered American flags to every neighbor in the neighborhood for the Fourth of July — always taking time to make personal connections along the way.   

Aside from his volunteer work, Frank also made family time a top priority. Special memories with his children include a deep-sea fishing trip in St. Thomas, attending Super Bowl XXIII in Miami, shooting clay pigeons at Creekside Gun Range, a hot air balloon ride (with a priest!) in upstate New York, several Mercy father/daughter dinner dances and countless backyard barbecues. Even small things like bathing the family dog and painting the deck furniture together became special memories because he made everything fun. Frank also shared many of his interests with his children and grandchildren including his love of reading (especially mystery novels and the Sunday comics), vegetable gardening, cooking, baking, horses, doing the daily Jumble and sketching caricatures. His love for Notre Dame football was another thing he passed on to his family. He loved watching the game with his children and grandchildren. For Frank, game days were never just about football; they were about togetherness. 

To his grandchildren, he was “Googa,” a constant presence in their lives. He built bonds with each of them by not only sharing his hobbies with them but also attending numerous school and sporting events, surprising them with trips to the zoo and Canada when they were younger., and always, without fail, singing happy birthday with Nana to each of them on their birthday, no matter their age and even if it was on their voicemail.  

He also made time for all of his many nieces and nephews by creating magical Christmas memories. He planned annual visits to Midtown Plaza so they could all see Santa -- even the teens and young adults --  and ride the monorail, and then treated them all to lunch. For decades, Frank and Nancy’s big, extended-family Christmas Eve parties at their house were the heart of the holiday, where 2 dozen children celebrated together. Pure mayhem, but so much fun! (He loved to joke the next morning by always answering the phone with, "Merry Christmas, what did you forget here?") Each year, Frank set the tone on Christmas Eve by reading the story of Christ’s birth from Scripture, reminding us all of the true meaning of Christmas. Though Frank has passed, the family will carry on this cherished tradition, ensuring his voice and spirit are forever a part of Christmas Eve.

Above all, Frank’s greatest joy was being a husband, father, and grandfather. His life truly reflected the values of his Catholic faith — love, service, humility, and integrity — all with a great sense of humor and a big smile. Frank was a devoted family man and a proud American, who instilled in his children a deep respect for the Constitution, history and the flag. He left his family a legacy of faith and devotion that will live on for generations. 

October 13th held a special place in Frank and Nancy’s hearts. It was on this date, 74 years ago, that Frank met Nancy at Hick’s and McCarthy’s restaurant/ice cream parlor in Pittsford when Frank was 17 and Nancy was 15. Every year since then, they celebrated this anniversary of the day they met by going to Hick’s and McCarthy’s for brunch, followed by a long drive to see the leaves changing colors, and then ending their day with a special dinner together. With love and faith guiding her, Nancy chose this same date, October 13th, to lay Frank to rest and celebrate his new life in Heaven. 

Calling hours will be Sunday, October 12th from 2:00-5:00pm at Harloff Funeral Home, 803 S. Washington Street, East Rochester. On Monday, October 13th at 9:30am, a funeral mass will be held at St. Louis Church in Pittsford followed by a private military internment. Friends may have masses offered for the repose of his soul. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to "CDCE", the Veteran Affairs Medical Center, 400 Fort Hill Ave, c/o CDCE-135, Canandaigua, NY 14424.