Francis "Frank" Joseph Cucciarre, 87, a lifelong resident of Walton passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at Delaware Valley Hospital in Walton. Frank was doing what he always did, working in his store, where he enjoyed meeting and talking with everyone who stopped by.

Frank was born on December 25, 1924 in Walton, the son of the late Anthony and Mary (Guerra) Cucciarre. On July 14, 1951 he married Norma Klett from Johnson City, NY.

Frank attended and graduated from the Walton Central School, where he played on the football, basketball, track, and baseball teams. He also attended Boys State. After returning home from military service, he went to Hartwick College where he graduated in 1950. In college he played Town Team Baseball and All-Star Baseball at Cooperstown. He was the president of his fraternity, Delta Sigma Phi, while at Hartwick.

Frank proudly served his country as a Staff Sargent in the U.S. Army Medical Corps 61st Field Hospital. While serving his country he went to England, France, Belgium, Germany, and Austria.

Frank was currently the sole owner of Tony's Shoe Store in Walton. Tony's was started by his father in the early 1900s and later co-owned by Frank and Ben Cucciarre until Ben's retirement. At one time, in the store's history, Tony's operated three store locations in Walton.

Frank was very active in his community where he served in a number of capacities such as board member, director, fund raiser or president in the following organizations: National Bank of Delaware County Walton, Delaware Valley Hospital Board, Delaware Valley Hospital Fund Drive (raising one million dollars in 13 years), Delaware County Six Hospital Association, Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, Walton Industrial Development Association, Walton Industrial and Merchant Committee, Walton Chamber of Commerce, Private Industry Council, Private Industry Council Youth Committee, NYS Retail Merchants, Masonic Lodge # 557 F&AM and Royal Arch Masons # 251, Kiwanis, Ogden Free Library, AAA in Oneonta, CADI at Delhi College, Republican Committee, Walton Industrial Development Association, Ruth Hallenbeck-Helena Cable Walton Central School Scholarship Fund and Alumni Committee, Walton American Legion and VFW, Troup 45 Scoutmaster, Scott Machine Development Softball League, Booster Club, Walton Commercial Corporation, Sidney Federal Credit Union Advisory Committee, and the Business Educational Council.

Frank loved the community he lived in and served it in many facets. However, when asked, he always gave the glory to God, his Savior, who he enjoyed talking about with anyone who visited his store. He was a member of the Christian Apostolic Church in Fayetteville, NY.

He is survived by his loving family, his wife, Norma, his children, David (Lori Billings) Cucciarre, Nancy (Michael Stuligross) Cucciarre-Stuligross; his grandchildren, Matthew & Daniel Cucciarre; Mikaelan Cucciarre-Stuligross, his sister, Ruth Cucciarre of DeWitt, NY, his brother Ben Cucciarre of Cazenovia, NY; He was predeceased by his brother, Joe Cucciarre. His is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Friends and family are invited to call on Sunday afternoon, February 19, 2012 from 5 to 7 PM at the New Hope Community Church, 45 Stockton Ave., Walton where services will be held 10 AM Monday morning, with the Rev. Frank Giuliano, officiating.

Burial will follow at Walton Cemetery with full military honors.

Memorial contributions in Frank's memory may be made to Enhance DVH, 1 Titus Place, Walton, NY 13856.