Gianfranco Ghersini
Obituary Reports the death of an individual, providing an account of the person’s life including their achievements, any controversies in which they were involved, and reminiscences by people who knew them.
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Gianfranco (Frank) Antonio Ghersini of Ossining. He died on Mar. 11 at 80 years old.
He has left behind his loving wife, Barbara; his daughter, Sonja, and her partner, Mark, and his son, Alexander; his daughter-in-law, Leanne; grandchildren Max and Alex; and a multitude of bereaved brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and friends who will miss him beyond words.
Frank was born on Jan. 17, 1943, and raised in Dignano, Italy (Vodnjan, Croatia). Youngest of seven siblings, he grew up in post-World War II Europe and faced adversities and challenges. He was a Boy Scout and enjoyed and explored the natural beauty of his homeland. Frank’s medical school education came to an abrupt end and he was forced to leave friends and family behind to live in a refugee camp. He came over on a boat named the Cristoforo Colombo, and he met Barbara and the Bucolo family. He moved on to Canada to stay with his family there while Barbara stayed in New York. After many long hours on the pay phone, he moved to fulfill their beautiful destiny of getting married and starting a family together.
Committed to staying in the medical field, Frank obtained a professional degree in clinical histopathology and held memberships with the Canadian Society of Laboratory Technicians and the American Society of Clinical Pathologists. For almost 40 years, he was at the helm of the Northern Westchester Hospital histopathology laboratory where his astute knowledge and skill were used to test and develop technology now used to diagnose cancer in women.
Our dad was always better than any machine and he proved it time after time. As a true Renaissance man, Frank spoke three languages, was an avid reader and had a love of all varieties of music, art, film and NASCAR. He loved nature and animals. When he wasn’t out tending to his garden or antiquing, you would often find him sitting on his favorite spot on the couch perusing his stamp collection or an antique journal to research his favorite subjects, and toward the end, Solitaire. He had a great taste and talent for finding true treasures with his experienced sparkling blue eyes.
To know Frank was to love him. He had an intrinsic warm, sweet and good-hearted nature, which emanated from him like sunshine. He was handsome, charming, wise, warm, witty, honest, loving, kind and generous to everyone. He was quick to offer anyone a helping hand, a silly blue joke and/or a Slivovitz!
To his friends and family, he was faithful and dedicated. He was a devoted husband and adored his wife, Barbara, and always showered her with hugs and affection. Many times, through the years, they’d waltz around the living room to “The Blue Danube” or to their wedding song, Frank Sinatra’s “Strangers in the Night.”
As a father, his love was also abundant. He sacrificed and provided us with support for our interests and education in any way that he could. He valued his family above everything and would take a break from his two jobs to bring us all on outings and adventures, often taking “the scenic route,” as he used to call it, when he got lost.
Frank truly shined as a doting Nonno to his grandchildren, Max and Alex. It brought him daily joy to see them, hug and fist bump them and to hear about their school day. He was always proud of their accomplishments and of the young men they are. During this brief time in their lives, he had impressed upon them the value of family and conveyed his immense love. Our loss is truly Heaven’s gain. We love you and miss you Daddy and Nonno.
The funeral was held at St. Augustine Church in Ossining on Mar. 16. Interment followed at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.
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