Francesco Albanese

Francesco "Frank" Albanese, 61, passed peacefully surrounded by his family and friends at his home on January 14th, after a courageous battle with cancer. He maintained a love of life and family until his very last days, holding court from his throne at the head of the family table.

Frank was born in 1953 in Siderno Marina, Reggio Calabria, Italy. In 1971, at the young age of 17, he immigrated to Toronto to work in the construction and catering industries. In 1979, he came to the Capital District and worked in various local restaurants. In 1981, he married the love of his life and in 1982, they opened the Corner Ice Cream store in Guilderland. Throughout the next thirty-plus years, he was a community fixture and adored by many loyal customers at "Frank's Ice Cream," and "Corner Ice Cream." He put smiles on many a face with his ice cream, unique personality, and his sense of humor.

Frank is survived by his adoring wife of 33 years, Rosamaria Figliomeni-Albanese, his beloved children, Stella Lucia (Matthew Callahan) and Domenico Francesco, as well as his precious grandson, Lucas Matthew. He is also survived by his siblings, Giuseppe (Silvana) Albanese, Maria (Giuseppe) Albanese, Silvana (Cosimo) Calautti, and Lina (Francesco) Figliomeni, of Siderno Marina R.C., Italy; his mother in law, Natalina Figliomeni, of Guilderland, and sister-in-laws, Elena (Frank) Crupi, and Carmelina (Domenic) Crupi of Toronto; 19 nieces and nephews, including Dominic (Jeanie) Figliomeni of Latham, and 8 great nieces and nephews, as well as many adoring friends and relatives. He is predeceased by his parents, Stella and Domenico Albanese, his father-in-law, Carmelo Figliomeni and his sister-in-law Lucia Figliomeni.

Above all, Frank enjoyed spending time with his family and dear friends. He spent countless hours gardening with his wife and cooking for loved ones. He will be remembered for his savvy business sense, his unrivaled storytelling ability, his hospitality, his generous and kind spirit, his hard work ethic, and his overall passion for life.

Calling hours will be on Monday, January 19th from 4:00-8:00pm at Christ the King Church in Guilderland. A funeral mass will held Tuesday, January 20th at 10:00am at Christ the King Church. Interment will be at Our Lady of Angels Cemetery. Donations can be made in his honor at www.lungevity.org.