Frank "Big Cheech" Faccioli

Mr. Frank “Big Cheech” Faccioli, age 83, of Utica and Fort Myers, FL, passed away peacefully in the company of his loving family on Wednesday November 1, 2023, after a short illness.

Frank was born in Utica, New York on July 6, 1940, to Anthony and Rose (Giglio) Faccioli and attended Thomas R. Proctor High School. On October 28, 1960, he married Jo Marie Giordano, and from 63 years of marriage came the blessing of four children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Frank was a loving family man and friend, and his faith was deeply important to him. Whether it was sharing a meal and fine wine with family or friends, throwing playful birthday parties, or performing magic tricks and dressing as Santa for his grandchildren, Frank made sure to put a smile on the face of anyone who was lucky enough to spend time with him. Nothing made him happier than to get a laugh out of someone. An avid fisherman, he traveled across the world, including to Aruba, Bermuda, and the Arctic Circle. No place was more special to him than the St. Lawrence River, where he took yearly trips and was an accomplished muskie fisherman, earning a place in the Muskie Hall of Fame in Clayton, New York. Frank was a passionate connoisseur of food and wine, and had two life-changing trips to Italy, the land of his ancestors. The first to participate in the Papal Jubilee of 1975, and the second in celebration of his 50th wedding anniversary, where he and his wife were able to reconnect with family. Later in his life, he began spending the winters in Fort Myers, Florida. Frank enjoyed the camaraderie of so many friends, far too many to list, and his family would like to acknowledge the joy and laughter that they added. Many he knew his entire life in the Utica area, and many more he met over the 22 cherished winters in Florida. Each helped make his retirement special.

Frank is survived by his loving wife Jo Marie (Giordano) Faccioli, his children Tina and husband Don Ambrose, Anthony “Fuji” and wife Andrea Faccioli, Frank “Cheech” Jr. and wife Kathy Faccioli, and daughter Dina Ventura. His memory will live on in the hearts of his beloved grandchildren - Anthony Faccioli, Francesco and wife Amanda Faccioli, Ariana Ambrose, Giavanna Faccioli, Stephen Ventura, and Santino Faccioli, as well as his two great-grandchildren, Lila and Francesco Faccioli. He is also survived by Sal and Kathy Longo and family, with whom his special relationship grew as close as his own children. He had many special friendships, including his best friends Louis and Sunny Gifune and Joe and Candace Gazzal. Frank was predeceased by his parents, his in-laws Joseph and Mary Giordano, his brother-in-law John, and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends whom he loved deeply, and with whom he loved to share a bottle of wine.

Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend Frank’s Funeral Service and Celebration of Life at Mary, Mother of Our Savior Church, (Our Lady of Lourdes Campus) 2222 Genesee St, Utica at 11:00 AM on Thursday, November 9, where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. The family will greet visitors at the conclusion of mass in church.

In memory of Frank and his love of the St. Lawrence River, donations in his name may be made to the Save the River Foundation @ savetheriver.org.