Obituary of Frank J. Pecora

Mr. Frank J. Pecora, 89, of 62 Orchard Street, Canajoharie, New York died Monday, June 29, 2015 at Wells Nursing Home in Johnstown. Born on April 6, 1926 in Bradford, PA, he was the son of Louis Pecora and Amelia Brown Pecora. He was a graduate of St. Bernard High School and a graduate of Clarion State Teacher's College in Pennsylvania, Class of 1950. He then received his Master's in Elementary Education from Oneonta and continued his ongoing education at Cornell University, working his way towards a PhD. Upon graduation from High School, Mr. Pecora joined the US Navy, serving in World War II. Mr. Pecora started his teaching career at VanEtten Central School, where he taught for a short time. He then taught for Canajoharie Central School for over 30 years, teaching 4th and 6th grades. Following his retirement, Frank continued to substitute teach until the age of 78. Frank had been a resident of Orchard Street in Canajoharie for over 56 years. He was a member of St. John's & St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Canajoharie. Mr. Pecora coached track, basketball, and football. In 1961, along with coach Franz Brill, they had the only undefeated Football Team in 50 years of Canajoharie Football. He loved golf and greatly enjoyed reading. He looked forward to the daily crossword puzzles. Frank was also a member of the Fort Rensselaer Club. One of his greatest joys was traveling with his wife, Jimmie. On September 3, 1949, Frank was married to "Jimmie" Allen. She preceded him in death on June 17, 2011, after more than 61 years together. His sister, Frances Walsh also predeceased him in 2014. His daughters, Lois A. Pecora and Mel Overstreet of Canajoharie, NY, Lisa A. Pecora and Donna Novak of Bethlehem, PA; several nieces, nephews, and cousins survive Mr. Pecora. A funeral service will be held on Friday, July 3, 2015 at 11:00am at St. John's & St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Church Street, Canajoharie with Rev. Zach Labagh officiating. The family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday, July 2 from 3:00-8:00pm at The Chapel of Houghtaling & Smith Funeral Home, Inc., 20 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY 13317. Burial will take place in Ames Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the US Navy and the Fort Plain VFW Memorial Squad. In lieu of flowers contributions in memory of Mr. Frank J. Pecora may be made to St. John's & St. Mark's Lutheran Church, PO Box 275, Canajoharie, NY 13317 or to the Canajoharie Youth Center, 9 Erie Blvd., Canajoharie, NY 13317