Rochester, NY: Francis (Frank) Christa, Born May 22, 1932, Passed away peacefully on January 8, 2021
Predeceased by his wife Janet Gattelaro, son Timothy, daughter Mary Beth, parents Hazel & George, and brother Jack (Doris).
Frank was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather and is survived by his sons David (Kathy), Daniel (Melody), and John, grandchildren Carrie, Denise (Steve), Katie (Andrew), Andrea (Elliott), Ryan (Mindy), Lindsey, Brittany, Courtney (Anthony), Peyton, Chandler, and Olivia, great grandchildren Alex, Hudson, Jane, Theodore, Andrew, George, Lucy, Kleat, Christian, and Elianna, and nieces and nephews Patty, Barb, Cindy, Steve, Nancy Jean, Sue, Jo Anne, and Greg.
Frank graduated from West High School in 1950 and played baseball, basketball, and football. He was an avid sports fan and coached his sons in sports through their childhood. This was one of his life’s greatest joys and never missed one of their games.
The most important thing to him was his family and he was always there to support his family and was beyond generous with his family and friends. Frank was very outgoing and thrived on meeting people and creating lasting friendships.
Frank served in the US Army during the Korean War. Upon returning home, he married his wife Janet and worked the majority of his life as a banker.
As always, he wanted no fuss for himself and no funeral or calling hours will be held. A private service will be held post-pandemic. In lieu of flowers, a donation in his name can be made to Veterans Outreach or Wounded Warriors.
Our family would like to express our gratitude to Vicki and all staff at Valley Manor and Amanda, Amy, Maria and staff at Episcopal Church Home, and the healthcare professionals at Highland Hospital 5W and ICU, who went above and beyond with their care and compassion for Frank.
Frank was a wonderful man and a role model
to everyone he met. He adored his family and they adored him just as much. His wisdom and humor made him a breath of fresh air to sit and spend time with him. My life was blessed to have known him. May you find eternal rest in heaven. And I can only imagine the huge smile you have being reunited with your beautiful bride. Much love and comfort to the entire Christa family.
Thank You Suzy
Condolences to the family. I will miss Frank. We had many good conversations over the years and one of the sharpest minds I ever knew.
My uncle was a joy to be around. I truly admired his kindness and his giving heart. He will truly be missed.
To the entire family, the McKinnons wish you all peace and comfort in this difficult time. I spent many years working with Frank and got to know him well both professionally and personally. I want to share a story with you all that I hope you will enjoy. Back in 2007 Frank and I were working on a development project that had many nuances. One of which involved a contract our firm had to acquire a residence that was in our pathway to this project. Turned out monies we had conveyed to the seller were shall we say not getting to the intended party. We realized we were being had and decided we needed to visit the property to confront the owner or whom ever resided there. So I tell Frank (albeit 75 yr old Frank) I am going out there to deal with this once and for all. He says good idea but I want to come along. I assume ride along… we pull into the driveway and have no idea who we will meet when I ( I mean I, not we) knock on the front door. Before I have the ignition turned off he has his seat belt unfastened and is opening his door…I say Frank, stay here and I will deal with this…he ignores me and bounds out the door towards the walkway…I don’t even get ahead of him and he’s banging on the door. A young man answers and Frank walks past him into the foyer ready to unload on why we are there. It all turned out in the end and to this day my family is thankful I brought along my body guard that day. Fiercely loyal and a staunch defender of himself and his family, in the above case his son Daves money. Submitted with the utmost respect and admiration for Frank (and Janet)
Thanks Brian— I remember that situation well. I was getting calls from Dad at 5 AM some mornings on this. Great story. Dad loved his family more than anyone could know. I appreciate your condolences.
DAN
I had known Frank (and Dave) for over 30 years. Frank could always be counted on for a smile and friendly word. I know what a valued and integral part of the business Frank was, and I envied that Dave was able to work with his dad. Truly a blessing. As others have said, I second. Always a gentleman, it was an honor to have known him. Martha’s and my condolences go out to Dave and the entire Christa family.
Condolences to the Christa family. I worked with Frank in the 1970’s at Columbia Banking’s Brighton office (which was located where Wegmans East Avenue store is now). Frank was such a kind man and a true gentleman. A truly wonderful person! I feel blessed to have known him.