Al “Funzi” Frangipane passed away on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. He was 86 years old.

Al was a beloved husband, father, pop-pop, brother, uncle and friend. To carry on his legacy and continue his storytelling he leaves his sister, Juliana Giraldi; his children, Denise (Bill), Claudia (Gerry), and Nicholas (Beth); his cherished grandchildren, Aidan, Alexandra, Hunter, and Ian, who were his pride and joy; along with several nieces, nephews, Godchildren and a community of friends.

Al was born June 27, 1939, in Brooklyn, New York, to Nicholas and Clara Frangipane. He spent his childhood in a tight knit neighborhood of Boro Park. He left St George Academy High School to push up his draft and proudly served in the United States Army where he was also a competitive boxer. After his military service, Al worked as a Court Administrator for the New York Supreme Court in Brooklyn; was a sought-after blood donor and dedicated himself to fundraising for Kings County Hospital.

He was also a semi-professional bowler, recording several perfect games. It was Al’s bowling experience, and a chance encounter, that led him to meet the love of his life, Maria. They were married in 1966, lived in Brooklyn, where they started their family, and spent their weekends and summers “upstate” in Woodbourne, NY. Al made the selfless decision—long before it was fashionable—to commute into the city each week to fulfill Maria’s dream of returning to the “country”.

Upon retirement in 1994 Al became a full-time volunteer, generously giving his time and heart to numerous causes, including Bethel First and the American Red Cross. He organized projects, responded to disasters and spent time at Ground Zero with Maria after September 11.

A dedicated member of the Bethel Lions Club, Al served on many committees, with the Vision & SEE Program and the Scholarship Fund being his favorites. He was a longstanding volunteer for the Rhulen Rock Hill Run and Ramble and the WSUL Heart-a-thon, where he was affectionately known to all as “The Heart Man.” He also devoted years to raising funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Al served his community as a former Kauneonga Lake Fire Commissioner and a member of the Bethel and Sullivan County Conservative Committees. But above all, he was everyone’s favorite Santa.

Al lived his life with purpose. He dedicated himself to his family, his friends, and his community. He gave the best advice, and told the greatest stories, (sometimes several times). Al changed the world; and the world is a better place because he was in it.

He is predeceased by his parents; his brother, Philip; his sister, Elizabeth; and his beloved Maria, whom he has joined on the dance floor to lindy once again.

The Frangipane family would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the infusion center nursing staff and the lab technicians at Garnet Catskills for their kindness and care.

Family and friends are invited to visit from 4–8 p.m. on Thursday, April 16, at VanInwegen-Kenny Funeral Home, 401 Broadway, Monticello. A service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 18, at the White Lake Reformed Presbyterian Church, with burial following at Evergreen Cemetery in Bethel. Pastor Joseph (Bud) LeConey will officiate. Following the burial (approximately noon) a reception and celebration of Al’s life will be held at Bethel Woods.

Contributions may be made to the Al “Funzi” Frangipane Memorial Fund, to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Bethel Lions Club Scholarship Fund. Checks can be made payable to CFOS Bold Gold Media Fund (Al Frangipane in memo) and mail to Bold Gold Media, 196 Bridgeville Road, Suite 8, Monticello, NY 12701; or contribute online at www.givegab.com/campaigns/al-funzi-frangipane.