Frank P. Spatto

Mr. Frank P. Spatto

Mohawk-Mr. Frank P. Spatto, age 78 passed away on October 1, 2025. Frank was born on March 31, 1947 at the Herkimer Memorial Hospital, the son of the late, Frank and Elma Spatto. He graduated from Mohawk high school in 1965. It was here where he was part of Joe V's shop class that built and painted the Christmas angels that were hung in the village of Mohawk for many years.

   On May 18, 1968 he married Linda D Ruehl at the Blessed Sacrament Church in Mohawk, a union that lasted for 57 years. Early in his career he worked for the Mohawk School District and also drove school bus. He also worked at Bendix in Utica as well as in construction for several years. In 1973 he opened Spatto's Body repair which he operated full time for many years and continued to operate on a part time basis at his leisure.

    Frank was on the German Flatts town board for 37 years where he started as a councilman and retired as the Town Supervisor. During that time his vision was to establish a Town park and community center. This vision took root and with the help of several volunteers and generous donors the vision became a reality. The community center was eventually dedicated in his honor. He also worked closely with the State of New York to establish one of the first sections of the Erie Canal Trail. During his time in office the Town suffered two major floods which resulted in Frank working closely with the governor and he headed the Army Corp of Engineers to organize cleanup efforts and restore bridges and roadways that were destroyed. He was also one of the founding members of MOVAC and helped with its construction.

    During his lifetime Frank was a member of numerous organizations and clubs to include The Troubadours Drum and Bugle Corp, The Adirondack Rusty Cranker's, the Mohican Model A Ford Club, The Model T Ford Club of America, The National Woodie Club, The Model T Ford Club International, The Antique Automobile Club of America, The Mohawk Odd Fellows Lodge, Herkimer County Republican Committee, The Ilion Community Club, The Black River Soil and Conservation Board, The Chairman of the Herkimer County Sewer Board and the Friends of the Town of German Flatts Park.

    Frank enjoyed spending time at the family camp, Oak Hill Lodge during hunting season waiting to find the elusive white deer. Other interests included snowmobiling, collecting antique vehicles, working on Model T Fords and attending numerous car shows, to include Hershey where he was a vendor since 1973. Every Year Frank and Linda made trips to Maine for vacations where they would explore the coast, get lost on the backroads and end the day with a good meal. Frank was always ready to start a new project or give someone a hand. His work ethic and family values were second to none, a trait that he taught his three sons. He never turned anyone away and you knew if you stopped to visit you were going to leave with a bit of wisdom and a full belly. Frank authored a children’s book titled The Magic of Hilde, which is based on a true story.

    Frank is survived by his wife Linda, his sons and daughters in law, Frank "Scooby" and Kim Spatto, Ryan and Amber Spatto, Adam and Jessica Spatto; six grandchildren, Ryah, Frank John, Madelyn, Emily, Anastasia and Wesson. He also leaves six brothers and sisters in law and sisters and brothers in law,, Terry and Beverly Donlon, Beatrice Spears, Florence and John Dwyer, Dan and Linda Spatto, James and Diane Spatto and Mayme and Rich Signorino; sister in law, Sharon Chavers and several nieces, nephews, cousin and godchildren. There are also several good friends that have been by his side through the years and during his ordeal. He was predeceased by his parents Frank and Elma Spatto, In-laws Harold Ruehl, Sandra Briggs and Ida and Gus Schmidt, his grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and many close friends.

  We as a family want to say thank you and truly appreciate everyone that has had an impact on his life and our lives. We know that years of friendships, memories and stories will keep his memory alive in our hearts.

His funeral will be held Friday, October 10, 2025 at 12:00 Noon in the V.J.Iocovozzi Funeral Home, Inc. 203 Second Ave., Frankfort with Deacon James Bower officiating. Interment will be in Mohawk Cemetery, John St. Mohawk. Calling hours will be Thursday, October 9, 2025 from 4-8 PM and Friday morning 10:00 to the time of service at the V.J.Iocovozzi Funeral Home, Inc. 203 Second Ave., Frankfort.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Frank’s memory may be made to Herkimer VFW, 131 Mohawk St., Herkimer, NY 13350 or Believe 271 Foundation, 9565 Main St., Holland Patent, NY 13354. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Expressions of sympathy may be placed on Frank’s online memorial page by going to www.iocovozzifuneralhomes.com