Obituary of Frank P. Spena, Sr.

Frank P. Spena Sr, age 75, of Watkins Glen, NY passed away on Monday, July 24^th, 2023 at the Arnot Ogden Medical Center in Elmira.

Frank was born in Montour Falls, NY on October 12^th, 1947, the son of the late Nicholas J. and Marie C “Mellie” (Scaptura)  Spena.  He graduated from Watkins Glen High School Class of 1965 and Williamsport Community College as a machinist in 1968.

Frank loved and excelled in ping pong, tennis, badminton, volleyball and snowmobile and auto drag racing.  He placed 2^nd and 3^rd at the NYS snowmobile grass drag championship in 2000 and 2001. He earned a NYS SS championship in 1972 driving his Chevy Camaro Z/28 and was the local area Ford Aurora electric slot car champion in 1963.

Frank built and operated Madison Carpet and Furniture Cleaning for 25 years in the Southern Tier and Northern Pennsylvania area.  During this time he was also the #1 salesman in the country with Sears Carpet Cleaning. Frank had also worked for Shepard Niles, Texas Eastern Transmission, the NYS DOT as a highway maintenance engineer and inspector, and a commodities trader. 

He was also a local, state and national public political advocate. He was particularly proud of his role in making it illegal for large trucks to come down Corning Hill. He was a member of the Trumansburg Fish & Game Club, the NRA, the NYS Rifle Association and the Schuyler County Environmental Management Council.  Frank played in the Seneca Chiefs drum and bugle corps and loved the time he spent helping the Squires drum and bugle corps.  He enjoyed snowmobiling, cars, model trains and dogs.  He was particularly fond of the family dog Hobo.

Frank was a member of St. Mary’s of the Lake Church in Watkins Glen.  He was a member and had supported many Pro Life groups including the Catholic Priests for Life, National Right to Life, NYS right to Life, and the Susan B Anthony Pro Life.  Frank attributes all his efforts to his Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ.

Frank is survived by his son, “Chip off the old block”, and love of Dad’s life, Frank “Chub” Spena Jr. of Elmira; sister, Mary Rose (Greg) Laux of North Tonawanda, NY; nephews, Nicholas and Bradley Piersons, as well as, numerous cousins.

Family and friends may call on Friday, July 28, 2023 from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm at the Link at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church, 905 N. Decatur St., Watkins Glen, NY.  A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 1:00 pm at the church.  Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery in Watkins Glen.