Frank J. Carelli, Sr.

Hoosick Falls – Frank Joseph Carelli Sr., 91, died on May 29, 2013. With his devoted daughter, Carol, and loving granddaughter, Rebecca, at his side, he went to be with the love of his life, his wife of 59 years, Dorothy June Shaw Carelli. Born in Hoosick Falls, NY, on August 10, 1921, Frank was the first born of Italian immigrants, the late Anthony and Helena “Lena” Liporace Carelli. His beautiful sisters, Mary Carelli Alonzo, Rose Carelli Willard and Jane Carelli Fay, pre-deceased him.
Frank attended Walter A. Wood High School in Hoosick Falls. He was an accomplished dancer and musician. He played saxophone in the Al Riel Orchestra in various venues and events in upstate New York. Frank enlisted in the army in 1940. Recognized by his commanding officer for his intelligence, character and skills, he was recommended for Officer Training School. He rose to the rank of First Lieutenant in the Air Corps and was honorably discharged in March of 1945. He met his wife to be during WW II in McKinney, TX.
Following the war, he worked at Haynes Brothers Ford, Inc. in Hoosick Falls. Frank moved back to Texas to marry Dorothy. They were married in Dallas on January 3, 1947. He started his own pizza business, with his homemade sauce and pizzas. He expanded the business by providing ovens and selling pizzas to businesses in north Texas. He sold his sauce recipe and business. At the request of Howard Haynes, Frank returned to Hoosick Falls with his bride, to join and help operate Haynes Brothers Ford. Over time they purchased Haynes Ford, and he became owner-dealer and President. Together with Dorothy, an officer of the corporation, they ran a successful business. They were known for their friendliness, graciousness, generosity and helpfulness.
Frank served his community in many capacities. He was a member and elder of First United Church, Presbyterian and of the Kiwanis Club. He was a Mason, Red Cross Chairman in charge of the summer swim program, member of the Hoosick Falls Redevelopment Board, and he provided cars for the Driver Education program at Hoosick Falls High School and St. Mary’s HS. He was a regular contributor to the Hoosick Falls CC and twice club champion. He was an avid follower of Ben Hogan and watched Hogan practice when they were both stationed at Carswell Air Field, Ft. Worth, TX. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, cooking, boating, music, coin collecting, the NY Yankees, his computer and the stock market. Frank and Dorothy enjoyed traveling the country in their RV, having a glass of wine and grilling a steak for the family.
They retired to Myrtle Beach in 1976 and enjoyed a full retirement with visits from friends and family for 22 years. Sadly, Dorothy was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease, so they moved to Richmond to be close to their daughter. Together, devoted husband and daughter cared for Dorothy for almost ten years, until Dorothy died in 2006. Frank is survived by his dear brother, Dominick Carelli and his wife Mary Jeske Carelli, his brother-in-law, Bob Willard, his loving daughter, Carol Ann Carelli-Sennett, his son-in-law, James P. Sennett, his adoring granddaughters, Rebecca Carelli-Sennett and Liza Pettingill and husband Josh, his great-grandsons, Quinton and Wells Pettingill, his son, Frank J. Carelli, Jr. and wife Anne, his grandchildren, Caitlin and John, and many nieces and nephews.
Interment will be at the Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors and graveside service on a date to be determined by Arlington National. Memorial contributions may be made, “In Memory of Dorothy Shaw Carelli and Frank Joseph Carelli, Sr.,” to the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Richmond Chapter, 4600 Cox Road – Suite 130, Glen Allen, VA, 23060. (http://www.alz.org/grva/in_my_community_donate.asp)
Condolences may be left at www.woodyfuneralhomeparham.com.