Obituary of Frank J. Zafonte

Frank Joseph Zafonte, beloved father, husband, WWII Bronze Star recipient, died on September 8, 2018 at 98 years of age. Frank was born on February 25, 1920 in Far Rockaway, Queens, NY to Giuseppe and Maria DiMaggio Zafonte. Frank served in WWII as a Medic with the IX Air Defense Command and was awarded the Bronze Star. He returned to Far Rockaway to meet the love of his life, Lucille Mary Cavanagh, whom he married on June 1, 1947. Together they would raise their growing family, moving to Lynbrook in 1953 into the house that would be his home till his death. Frank worked for Long Island Lighting Company for many years and in his “retirement” continued working in the plumbing and electrical field. He had an incredible green thumb, producing everything from figs to eggplant and tomatoes in abundance. He was true to his Catholic Faith throughout his life, which served as a basis for his strongest passion: his family. Frank will be reunited in heaven with his parents and six siblings, his beloved wife Lucille, his infant son, Daniel James, and his grandson, Andrew James Sennett.

He leaves behind to carry on his commitment to family his children: Frank (Frances); Ernest (Janice); Martha (Phil) Gorton; Suzanne (Peter) Sennett; Mary Lucille (George) Quinn; Matthew (Dorothy (dec.)); Clare (Joseph) LoCicero; Virginia (Kenneth) Healy; James (Kris). He is also survived by 23 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in memory of Frank on Monday, September 17 at 9:45am at Our Lady of Peace Church, Lynbrook, LI. Visitation will be held at Perry Funeral Home, Lynbrook, NY from 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM on Sunday September 16. Frank will be laid to rest on September 17 next to his wife at the Long Island National Cemetery, Farmingdale NY with Military Honors.

His children wish to express particular gratitude to Domenick Gerardi for bringing not only the Eucharist to dad every week, but his friendship and joy of life; and of course – Maria Clark whose care and loving touch allowed us to respect Dad's wishes throughout the last chapter of his long life. We encourage you to make a donation in his name fitting with his love of God, Country, and Family. Given his joy at seeing a full table surrounded by those he loved – we ask you to gather with those you love and remember him as you break bread.