Francis J. Romeo - Fiore

Francis Joseph Fiore 

Francis (Frank) J. Romeo-Fiore passed away at home surrounded by his loving family after a brief illness on May 25, 2023. He was born August 7, 1928 in Auburn N.Y. The beloved son of Sophie (Mierzwa/Mizro) and Salvatore Romeo. He was the Godson of Anthony Romeo and Mary Sinicropi, having been baptized at Saint Francis Church. He was also the adopted son of a dearly loved stepfather, Joseph Fiore. He was adopted in April 1946 along with his sisters Angelina “Pearl”, Mary, and brother Sam “Jet.”

Frank graduated from West High School class of 1946. He was an Auburn Firefighter for 35 years, retiring in 1987. He loved playing his trumpet, and was a member of the Musician’s Union having played for many years with the Star Dusters, Cayugans, and Hal Baker’s Orchestra, often at Club Dickman.

Frank worked on many different projects during his lifetime. He and Ed Bilinski completed many building and remodeling projects throughout the Auburn area. He inherited his gift of carpentry from his father Salvatore, who was one of the builders of the Sunset Restaurant. Frank would try to fix anything that was broken and always had the patience to be successful.

In his retirement when he wasn’t working on a project for one of his children, he loved playing golf with his fellow firefighters. He never lost his love for the fire service. He was a frequent visitor at the firehouse, having a cup of coffee and talking about the many experiences of the past. He also got to know many of the newer firefighters.

He will miss the wonderful weekly get togethers he shared with his special friends: Ann & Tom Payne, Marie & Mike Didio, Jim & Patty VanOrman and Patti Treat. He also had twice weekly breakfast at Ann’s Diner and Pavlos’ Restaurant with retired educators and businessmen. His presence was also enjoyed weekly for Friday night dinners at the Auburn Diner with his grandchildren.

The most important things in life were not money and status, but were his family and friends. He was the loving and caring husband of his wife of 65 years Vera June Feeney, and was very proud of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

He is survived by his children Kathleen Winslow, Frank Fiore Jr., Lorena Fiore (Keith), Joseph (Cathy) Fiore, Jeannine (Mark) Peters, Lucinda (Billy) Coughlin, and his sister Rosemary “Babe” Learo. He is also survived by his grandchildren Colleen, Stacey, Scott, Brian, Nicholas, Eli, Rachel, Rebecca, Ryan, and Melissa; his great-grand children Kiersten, Logan, Declan, Gavin, Hathaway, Jackson, Gabriella, Lily, Grey, Wells, and Tripp, as well as many nieces and nephews and sister-in-law Dorothy Feeney.

He was predeceased by his parents, his wife June, son Edward, son-in-law Gary Winslow, and grandsons Eric Talbot and Alexander Fiore. He was also predeceased by his siblings Angelina “Pearl” (Frank) Morabito, Mary (Peter) Colella, Sam “Jet”(Sally) Fiore and special niece Cheryl (Colella) Scibelli. Frank was also predeceased by his father Salvatore’s brother Angelo (Uncle Joe) who was like a second father to him.

He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Frank was truly a loving, caring, honest and selfless man who worked very hard all of his life to support his family of nine.

Calling hours will be held Tuesday, May 30 2023 from 9:00 am - 10:45 am with his Mass of Christian Burial following at 11:00 am all inside St. Mary’s Church in Auburn. Burial is in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Skaneateles.

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