Francis John Constable

CONSTABLE, FRANCIS JOHN (1934-2023) After serving nine tours of duty in Vietnam, the ravages of Agent Orange and a multitude of other complications finally took its toll. Frank fought hard but sadly succumbed to his illnesses at the age of 89 on April 28th in Sanford, Florida. Born in West Seneca, NY on February 10th to the late Frank and Carmella (Olivadoti) of Catanzaro, Italy. He bravely served our county as a member of the United States Army, earning the rank of Master Sergeant before retiring. Frank enlisted in the US Army and was stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky with the 11th Airborne Division with his first tour of duty being Company G21st Infantry 24th Division Korea (1950). Throughout his lifelong career, he joined the Heavy Mortor Company 19th Infantry (1952), Former Drill Instructor at Fort Dix Army Base (1953-1955), Scofield Baracks Hawaii (1955-1960), Studied at the University of Hawaii at Manoa (1956-1960), Fort Bragg Company B321 Airborne Regiment, Vietnam MACV Corp Danag and Hue (1964-1970), US Army Recruiting Command, Brooklyn, NY (1971-1973), 82nd Airborne Division - Rangers, 101st Airborne Division – Screaming Eagles. While in Vietnam, Frank received six Purple Hearts for his bravery. After retiring, he was assigned to a special mission to train soldiers going to San Salvador. He was and will always be remembered as the consummate soldier. Once retired, Frank and his first wife, Susan, headed to Islamorado, Florida where they lavished in the sun, enjoyed life relaxing and meeting a multitude of friends at Papa Joe’s and other famous hangouts in the Keys. Later they moved to Lake Mary, Florida where Frank sold cars, gardened and traveled. After Susan’s death, from cancer, Frank married his second wife, Ilona who was forever loving and caring up to his last breath. Together they raised Ilona’s daughters in Sanford, Florida and enjoyed traveling to Germany. His wish was to visit the towns his parents came from. Unfortunately his illness took him too soon. Getting his green thumb from his dad, he enjoyed putting around the yard and grew the most beautiful orchids. Along with his parents, Frank was preceded in death by his first wife of 52 years, Susan McBride, children Roy and Jessica and by his siblings Sandra C. Notaro, Katherine C. Knaus and John. Those left to cherish Frank’s memory include his wife, Ilona Santiago, his children Susan C. Huntley (Mark), Diana, Francis (late Carol), Michael (Andrea) and adoring step-daughters Ciara S. Ettleman (Andrew), Marissa, Danielle S. Hopstatter (Jeffery), Alicia S. Newberry and Lindsey. Frank also leaves behind several adored nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and his furever companion, Daisy. Frank will be laid to rest at Bushnell National Cemetery and will have full military honors deserving of a United States soldier while being close to his wife, Ilona and family.

Francis John Constable

February 10, 1934 - April 28, 2023