We are deeply saddened to announce the
passing of Gianfranco (Frank) Antonio
Ghersini of Ossining, New York. He died at
age 80 on the 11th of March. He has left
behind his loving wife, Barbara, his daughter,
Sonja, her partner Mark, his son, Alexander,
his daughter-in-law Leanne, grandchildren,
Max and Alex, and a multitude of bereaved
brothers/sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and
friends who will miss him beyond words.
Frank was born on January 17th, 1943 and
raised in Dignano, Italy (Vodnjan, Croatia).
Youngest of seven siblings and grew up
during post- WWII Europe and faced
adversities and challenges. He was a boy
scout and enjoyed and explored the natural
beauty of his homeland. Frank’s medical
school education came to an abrupt end and
he was forced to leave friends and family
behind to live in a refugee camp. He came
over on a boat named the Cristoforo
Colombo, he met Barbara and her family. He
moved on to Canada to stay with his family
there while Barbara stayed in New York.
After many long hours on the payphone, he
moved to fulfill their beautiful destiny of
getting married and starting a family together.
Committed to staying in the medical field,
Frank obtained a professional degree in
clinical histopathology and held memberships
with the Canadian Society of Laboratory
Technicians and the American Society of
Clinical
Pathologists. For almost 40 years, he was at
the helm of the Northern Westchester
Hospital histopathology laboratory where his
astute knowledge and skill were used to test
and develop technology now used to diagnose
cancers in women. Our dad was always better
than any machine and he proved it time after
time.
As true Renaissance man, Frank spoke three
languages, was an avid reader and had a love
of all varieties of music, art, film (and
Nascar), to name a few. He loved nature and
animals. When he wasn’t out tending to his
garden or antiquing, you would often find
him sitting on his favorite spot on the couch
perusing his stamp collection or an antique
journal to research his favorite subjects,
towards the end, Solitaire. He had a great
taste and talent for finding true treasures with
his experienced sparkling blue eyes.
To know Frank was to love him. He had an
intrinsic warm and sweet, good-hearted
nature which emanated from him like
sunshine. He was handsome, charming, wise,
warm, witty, honest, loving, kind and
generous to everyone. He was quick to offer
anyone a helping hand, a silly blue joke, and/
or a Slivovitz! To his friends and family he
was faithful and dedicated. He was a devoted
husband and adored his wife, Barbara, and
always showered her with hugs and affection.
Many times through the years, they’d waltz
around the living room to the Blue Danube or
to their wedding song, Frank Sinatra’s
Strangers in the Night. As a father, his love
was also abundant. He sacrificed and
provided us with support for
our interests and education in any way that he
could. He valued his family above everything
and would take a break from his two jobs to
bring us all on outings and adventures, often
taking ‘the scenic route’, as he used to call it
when he got lost. Frank truly shined as a
doting Nonno to his grandchildren, Max and
Alex. It brought him daily joy to see them
hug/fist bump them and to hear about their
school day. He was always proud of their
accomplishments and of the young men they
are. During this brief time in their lives, he
had impressed upon them the value of family
and conveyed his immense love.
Our loss is truly Heaven’s gain. We love you
and miss you Daddy and Nonno.
Please join us in celebrating his amazing life.
The funeral will be held at St Augustine
Church in Ossining on Thursday March 16th
at 10am. Interment following at Gate of
Heaven Cemetery.