Obituary of Frank D. Carpentieri

It is with great sorrow that we let you know our precious dad, Frank D. Carpentieri, passed away peacefully on Monday February 12th, just two and a half months after his wife and our mother Carol's passing. Our hearts are heavy with grief and sorrow, but we know that Carol and Frank are laughing, smiling, and finally dancing together! Frank was born on May 1, 1938, in Staten Island, New York. He is survived by his three children, Diane, Frankie and Marc. Their spouses Dani, Emily and Maria, and his two cherished grandchildren Austin and Carmela. Frank owned Suburban Floors where he worked before and after graduating from Bryant college. Taking the business over from his dad Nick, he worked tirelessly for over 50 years to create a loyal customer base who appreciated the store's commitment to quality, craftsmanship, personal relationships and service. Frank was instrumental in building this legacy business, three generations strong, now carried on by his son Frank jr. and his wife Emily. Everyone who knew Frank knew that he loved cars and loved to drive them. Maybe, sometimes, too fast, but always insisting he was the "THE BEST DRIVER" and referring us to the driving award he had won at 16 and proudly framed for all to see. He drove all over Westchester County for work, and we all have fond memories of driving with him. Sometimes, even to the city to measure spectacular apartments on the upper east side that I could never have imagined existed. So many memories of summer afternoons he spent in the garage with my brothers. Building bikes, minibikes and go-carts from scratch so they could race down our sloped driveway on Oak Ridge Road. He would play basketball with us at the end of that driveway: He taught us how to aim for the back of the hoop to make an easy shot. He would get up early with us and go on long bike rides through our beautiful town before school. I have fond memories of him making pancakes, grilled cheese and a killer spaghetti aioli for us. Memories flood back now of how creative he was, and how he was always going above and beyond for everyone he knew, but especially for my mom. He doted on her in the most beautiful way. He was completely devoted to her and was always busy with a project. Whether it be framing mom's artwork or rigging a wire across our living room ceiling so a toy monkey riding a unicycle could glide smoothly back and forth - to fascinate his grandchildren. He was a talented artist and created beautiful jewelry. He even built a display case out of wood with glass shelves to perfectly highlight his sterling silver and jasper stone creations that we would sell at local craft fairs on the weekends. It's important to remember these moments. Because for more than nine years now we have been slowly losing him and our good memories. Pushing them down the road as my dad has been trapped in slow steady deterioration caused by dementia. And through this, anyone who met him will tell you he had eyes that smiled. My mom and dad were magic. This quote by Gary Shandling reminds me of how they lived their lives: "Give more to others. Get outside 'yourself.' Keep your heart open and have fun. Keep your mind clear. Make it fun for them. Open heart, kindness, truth, compassion. Follow your instincts." I love you mom and dad!!! I know you are driving and dancing together now, sweethearts together for Valentine's Day. I know you are free; I know that our hearts will be broken and relieved knowing you are done with pain and reunited in spirit paradise together. We know you will always be with us and that everything and everyone you touched is better because of it!