We are saddened to announce the passing of our dearest mom, Mary Frank at the age of 99 years. Mary passed away at home on Sept. 15 surrounded by her loved ones in St. Augustine, Florida, where she spent the last few years of her life.
Mary Victoria Italia Iorio was born in Mount Vernon, NY on January 3rd, 1924 to Italian immigrant parents, Ruggerina Zoratti Iorio and Marco Iorio. She had 2 brothers, Vincent and Angelo Iorio and one sister Louise Iorio Giglio. In June 1949 mom married our dad, George William Malcolm Frank. Mom always said that she fell in love after taking one look into his blue eyes. They bought a house on 4th Avenue in Pelham in September 1954 where they lived and raised their 3 children. Unfortunately, our father, after a short battle with Cancer, died in 1968, leaving our mom a widow. Mom never remarried but her love of Pelham kept her in their home for a total of 68 years when she reluctantly moved to Florida with one of her daughters.
Mary graduated from A.B. Davis High School in Mt. Vernon. She worked as a bookkeeper for the Public Administrators office, in the Westchester County Office Building in White Plains. In addition, on Saturdays, she worked as a librarian in the Pelham Public Library for many years.
Mary was an intelligent, strong, hardworking, kind, and selfless woman. She loved all her neighbors and spent hours talking with them and supporting them in anyway she could. She had an extraordinary love for animals, especially dogs. Her unfulfilled ambition was to become a Veterinarian. Mary was an avid reader, loved being outdoors and tending to her flowering garden. She passionately loved her children and was the “rock” of her family. Mom will always be remembered for her extraordinary smile and her incredible compassion for others.
Mary is predeceased by her husband George, parents, brothers, and her beloved sister Louise. She is survived by her three daughters, Denise Frank Simon, Joyce Frank, and Valerie Frank Fattizzi and her adopted daughter, Brynn Raab. She is also survived by her three loving grandchildren, Danielle Fattizzi, Eric Fattizzi, and Georgie Simon in addition to multiple nieces and nephews. Mary was intensely loved and will be terribly missed by her family and friends.
In lieu of flowers the family would like donations made in the name of Mary Frank to K9’s for Warriors, or if you would rather, any NO kill animal shelter.
Service details will be provided once confirmed, Thank you.
Editor’s note: This obituary was provided by the Pelham Funeral Home.
