Frank A. Strada Jr.

1954 - 2025

Strada, Frank A., Jr.

Feb 21, 1954 - Nov 2, 2025

Age 71 of New Port Richie FL. Beloved fiancé of Marie Boncal; loving father of Victoria "Tory" (David) Falletta; devoted grandfather of Elliot Cardenas and Madalynn Falletta; dear brother of Paul (Gina Alfano) Strada; cherished uncle of Chloe and Matthew Strada; adored son of the late Frank and Agnes (nee Maile) Strada; former husband of Pamela Germain; also survived by many cousins and friends. He was born in the Lovejoy neighborhood of Buffalo, N.Y. in 1954. Frank was the founder of The Neon Art Store and Sign Company. From an early age, he showed a remarkable talent for art and design, skills that would eventually shape Buffalo's visual landscape for decades to come. After graduating from Bryant & Stratton Commercial Art School in 1974, at just 23 years old, Frank founded Strada Advertising at 1113 Elmwood Avenue in Buffalo. He began his creative career immersed in the hands-on techniques of the pre-digital era which reflected the craftsmanship and precision of traditional graphic design, illustration, mechanical drawing, logos and signs and producing brochures, menus, advertisements, as well as stained glass & etched glass for local restaurants, boutiques and hair salons. Some of Frank's most well-known work includes stained glass designs were Taffany Lamps and The Cloister Restaurant and Holiday Inns. He created a sense of community in the city's bustling business strips in the 80's by publishing "The Elmwood Avenue and Hertel Avenue Passport" advertising directories. He also printed the very first Allentown Art Festival T-shirts. In 1977 Frank founded The Neon Art Store and was one of the first people in the US to transition commercial neon lighting into Pop Art and accessible to the public. Utilizing family and friends, his designs brought neon color and motion to Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo's storefronts and homes, WNY and beyond. Throughout the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s, the company was awarded and recognized for large neon projects; including Tops Supermarkets, Las Vegas Airport, Regal Cinemas and the Galleria Mall, Art Park's 10 year anniversary neon, the colorful neon holiday wreath for WIVB-TV, Channel 4 studios and the blue neon glow of the Buffalo Rapid Transit System, culminating in a 120 foot neon tower crowning the city of light, some of which still shines today. In 2008 Frank retired from the company and sold his share of the business to his brother Paul Strada, then moved to Clearwater Florida in 2012. He spent his last 13 years in the Florida sunshine continuing to design and manage the company's website and social media, along with dozens of other clients. No prior visitation. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at 10 AM at St. Benedict Church, 1317 Eggert Rd., Snyder, NY. Please assemble at church. Interment to follow in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Share condolences online at www.AMIGONE.com