Francis (Frank) Szematowicz

Francis "Frank" Szematowicz, 86
Buffalo – Francis "Frank" Szematowicz, 86 passed away at 12:30 PM on Saturday August 30, 2104 surrounded by his family after a brief illness. Frank was born in Mahanoy City, PA on February 4, 1928 the son of the late John and Anna (nee: Karakas) Szematowicz. He served in the United States Army from 1946-1948; (occupation Japan.) Frank obtained his BS Bacteriology from Penn State University and his MS in Bacteriology from St. Bonaventure University. Frank is predeceased by his wife of 40 years; Mary (nee: Pongonis), who passed away in 1992. Loving father of Gregory "Greg" (Kathryn nee: O'Sullivan) Szematowicz, Lou Ann Szematowicz, OSHJ of the Oblate Sisters of the Sacred Heart and Sarah (Bruce) Vogel. Adored grandfather of; Melissa (David) Walsh, Matthew Szematowicz and Kristin (Edward Narbe) Szematowicz. Fond great grandfather of; Brian Walsh, Shae Walsh, Adam Walsh, Kira Kelly, Chloe Kelly, Gage and Daemyon Narbe. Frank and his family lived in East Aurora New York and Hamburg New York from 1960-1973 working as a Microbiologist for Agway in Buffalo New York. He then moved to Ithaca New York in 1973 as he continued with Agway at the Agway Technical Center until his retirement in 1993. Frank and his late wife Mary were both active members of Immaculate Conception Church in East Aurora, where Frank was an active member of the Holy Name Society. They were also active members of St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Ithaca New York, serving as Eucharistic Ministers and Lectors. Frank was also a 4th Order of the Knights of Columbus in Ithaca New York. His hobbies included radio astronomy, after the passing of his beloved wife Mary, traveling extensively in the US visiting relatives, as well as trips to Canada, Europe, the Middle East, and an expedition to the Ross Sea in Antarctica. Frank Always had many amusing stories from his travels and endeavors. These stories included being invited to join a traveling bus tour, with a Polish Polka band as they toured Europe, (after they learned he played the clarinet in a swing band during his younger years and was fluent in the Polish language.) He was also involved in a research project in Central New York testing the fertility of Ice Age Mastodon droppings with local high schools and modern seeds. Family and friends are cordially invited to a Memorial Mass in honor of Frank on Saturday, September 6, 2014 at 11:00 AM at Immaculate Conception Church, 520 Oak Street East Aurora New York. Flowers are gratefully declined. The family suggests that memorial masses be sent to Oblate Sisters of the Sacred Heart, 50 Warner Rd. Hubbard, OH 44425 in Frank's memory. Local arrangements are being handled by Schiavone Funeral Home.

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