Obituary of Francis J. Mangefrida

FRANCIS J. “Frank” MANGEFRIDA - age 78, of Le Roy, NY, died February 11, 2015, after a long illness. He was born July 21, 1936, in Pavilion, NY, to the late Philip Mangefrida and the late Vadis Rudgers. He was also predeceased by his stepmother, Vera, and by his granddaughter Andrea Mangefrida. Francis was a 1954 graduate of Le Roy High School. He entered the U.S. Army and served with the Military Police Group, Armed Forces Special Weapons Project, Sandia Base, Albuquerque, New Mexico. After his service with the military, Francis began his 40-year career in broadcast radio. Starting as a board operator in Clovis, NM (KCLV), he went on to work as an on-air personality using the name Frank Davis. He also was an announcer in Erie, PA (WLEU), Utica, NY (WIBX), and Batavia, NY (WBTA). During his time at WBTA, Frank was best known for his afternoon shows, The Le Roy Show, which was broadcast live from downtown LeRoy, and his coverage of the 1971 Attica Prison Riot. Frank also served as master of ceremonies for many events in the Genesee County area. In addition to radio, Frank worked for the US Bureau of the Census serving as Regional Director for the 1980, 1990 and 2000 Censuses. He also was active in the Genesee County Democratic Party and served as the Democratic Election Commissioner. Frank had a passion for aviation and held his Private Pilot License. He was active with American Legion Botts-Fiorito Post 576 and St. Joseph’s Church. He enjoyed time with his family and friends as well as being an avid Le Roy Oatkan Knights football fan. Surviving is his wife of 43 years Susan (Jackson) Mangefrida of Le Roy; devoted sons, John (Kim) Mangefrida and their children Ryan and Jordan of Le Roy; Michael (Cheryl) Mangefrida of Manassas, VA; Philip (Tina) Mangefrida and their children Molly and Anthony of Le Roy; brother Fred of Le Roy and his children Megan and Kevin Cantalupo and Paul and Katie Mangefrida; sisters Anne (John) Cook and their children Jarred and Jessie of York, PA; and Phyllis Mangefrida (Norman Tibbils) and their children Devon and Darren of Rochester along with many cousins, aunts, uncles. There will be no prior calling hours, but a celebration of Francis’s life will be held at a later time. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, February 14 at 10:30 AM at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter’s Church, 44 Lake Street, Le Roy. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Andrea Lynn Mangefrida Memorial Fund c/o Stepping Stones Learning Center, 2111 Hudson Ave., Irondequoit, NY 14617; Le Roy Knights Incorporated, 7 East Ave., Le Roy, NY 14482; The Bull Terrier Rescue of Virginia (BTRVA), P.O. Box 10090, Manassas, VA. 20108.