Frank Joseph Avallone Jr.

Frank Joseph Avallone Jr., born October 4, 1948, was called to heaven on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at the age of 76.  A devoted husband, father, son, brother, grandfather, uncle, Godfather, friend to all, and patriot, Frank leaves behind a legacy of love and service.  

Born in Carthage, New York to Frank Joseph Avallone and Josephine Lucy (Remediani) Avallone, Frank was the eldest of 6 children.  As an accomplished young athlete, Frank stood out most for his exploits on the baseball diamond.  A talented left-handed pitcher with a fastball that matched his competitiveness, he excelled at Carthage Central High School.  While stories of epic pitching performances in America Legion ball such as shutouts on back-to-back days, striking out 15 batters in a game, a perfect 7-0 record, and a No-Hitter are among the local press clippings found in 1966 and 1967, he was best known as a great teammate.  Frank went on to play semi-professional baseball for the Watertown Royals.  He loved baseball but he loved his teammates and friends more.  So much so, that he organized a reunion in 2024 for the Royals to relive their baseball memories.  

After graduating high school, Frank attended Long Island University before answering the call to serve in the United States Army.  After receiving his first Letter of Commendation as an Outstanding Trainee of Company B, 2nd Battalion, USAMEDTC, Frank spent the next 26 years proudly serving his country as an officer on both Active Duty and as a Reservist.  He retired honorably achieving the rank of Major.  

The love story of Frank and Paula, his wife of 52 years, began in 1971 when Frank displayed his trademark stubbornness pursuing a young woman who, initially, was not impressed with his good looks, commanding presence, and charm.  But before long, Frank and Paula fell in love and were married on August 25, 1973.  Their love was so strong they celebrated a renewal of vows, with their children and loved ones present, on August 25, 2023.  

Frank was old school, honest, and stoic. He loved telling stories, sharing his opinions, and doing things his way. Whether you met Frank once, or knew him forever, he always remembered you. Just being in a room with Frank meant you were his friend.  If you were a friend, you were family.  Frank poured his heart into everything he was involved in.  His passion for family tradition meant he was always planning the next Avallone Family Reunion, making each year’s event bigger than the last.  As a coach, Frank was a teacher and a motivator.  Everyone who played for him learned to smile, have fun, and love the game.  Giving his time to youth athletes went beyond just coaching.  Frank’s leadership was instrumental in raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for Pickerington’s Youth Athletic Association and Pickerington’s High School athletic booster clubs.  Baseball ran through his veins.  Frank was a passionate Yankees fan who loved watching, listening to, reading about, talking about, and playing baseball.  The only thing he loved more than a game of catch, was time with his grandchildren.

Frank is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Steven Avallone, grandson, Miles Avallone, in-laws, Joe and Rose Sinicropi, and many other beloved family members.  

Frank is survived by the love of his life and best friend, Paula (Sinicropi) Avallone; children, Kristin (Jason) Lane, Kara (A.J.) Rittler, Michael (Stacey) Avallone; grandchildren, Tyler (Allie) Lane, Trevor Lane, Kaitlin Rittler, Cameron Rittler, Matthew Avallone, Leah Avallone, and Micah Avallone; siblings, Anthony (Ann) Avallone, Janet (James) Callahan, Nancy (Dennis) Goodnight, Paul Avallone, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.    

“Hey Frankie, are you in heaven?”

“You bet your sweet ass I am.”  

A Memorial to honor the life, and military service, of Frank Avallone Jr. will be held July 5, 2025, at Dwayne R. Spence Funeral Home located at 550 Hill Rd N, Pickerington, OH 43147.  Service hours will begin at 2pm with a reception to follow starting at 4pm.

A visitation to honor the life of Frank Avallone Jr. will be held on Friday evening, August 8, 2025, from 5:00pm-7:00pm at the Bezanilla-McGraw Funeral Home located at 518 State Street in Carthage, NY 13619. A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, August 9th at 10am at the church with Military Honors. A reception to follow at the Carthage Elks Club Lodge #1762 located at 511 Fulton St, Carthage, NY 13619.  

In lieu of flowers, Frank’s family encourages donations to the Frank Avallone Jr. Scholarship at the Northern New York Community Foundation. Donations may be made online: https://nnycf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=12715 or by mail to the Northern New York Community Foundation, 131 Washington St., Watertown, NY 13601. Please note the Frank Avallone Jr. Scholarship on the memo line of the check.

Arrangements are in the care of the Bezanilla-McGraw Funeral Home, located at 518 State Street, Carthage NY 13619.  Online condolences in his memory can be made to www.bezanillafh.com