Frank J. Maurizio, Sr.

Frank J. Maurizio Sr. died on Nov. 11, 2025 -- appropriately, Veterans Day -- after 93 years of a life filled with family, service and community.

Born in his beloved Utica (he never wanted to be anywhere else) on April 30, 1932, Frank was a fixture in downtown Utica, having owned and operated King's Body Works and Auto Sales, mostly on Elizabeth Street, for more than 60 years. He would leave for "the shop" by 6 a.m., prompting his wife, Rosemary, to explain that he had to "turn on downtown lights so Utica could get to work."

Speaking of Rosemary, well she was a wild story herself. But this is about Frank so let's just say: They were high school sweethearts who married on June 19, 1954, raised four terrific children and had many friends who delighted in their company. Rosemary died in 2017, though memories of her remain very much alive.

While a hard worker throughout his life, Frank had fun, too. He was an avid bowler and fisherman and especially enjoyed Vernon Downs. He owned several harness horses over the years, none of which made him rich; some of which never finished a race.

Frank's passion for horse racing led to the creation of the "Idiot Club," a gathering of gambling aficionados who enjoyed their sausage and peppers and tomato pie just as much as they did the races. The club refurbished several old buses -- with "Utica's Idiot Club" emblazoned on the side -- for road trips to race tracks up and down the East Coast. The bus was a regular fixture in the city's St. Patrick's Day Parade and hosted fundraisers for several local charities.

Frank was a graduate of Utica Free Academy, where he excelled in basketball (Marco was his nickname and he wore #5) and the former Utica Technical Institute (now Mohawk Valley Community College). He was proud of his service in the U.S. Army and was a "mess sergeant " when he was honorably discharged. He loved to cook until the very end and was especially proud of his homemade spaghetti sauce.

Over the years, he was active in a number of organizations, including Adrean Post 625 American Legion, MVCC Alumni Association, Knights of Pythias and Shriners International

More than anything, though, Frank loved being surrounded by his family, especially his 10 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren who all adored their "Baba."

Frank was pre-deceased by his parents, Joseph and Rose Maurizio; his step-mother, Antoinette Maurizio; and his sister, Joyce Laino.

He is survived by his children: Frank Maurizio Jr. (Janice) of South Carolina, Sheralynn Harrington (Thomas) of Florida, Michael Maurizio (Patricia) of New Hartford and Linda DeCarlo (Roland) of New Hartford; Also, a sister, Suzanne Collea of California; several nieces, nephews and cousins, especially Mario Spina of Whitesboro and Salvatore Capuana of Utica; and special friends and neighbors such as Ralph Cavo, Mike McHale, Sylvia Pescatore, Kathryn Scarafile, Russ Schmitt, and many others too numerous to mention.

Visiting hours will be held at The Scala, Roefaro and Karboski Funeral Home at 1122 Culver Ave., Utica from 5-7 pm on Monday, Nov. 17th.

His Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated at Historic Old St. John's Church, 240 Bleecker St., Utica at 10 am Tuesday, Nov. 18th .

Private interment will be in Calvary Cemetery next to his beloved wife, Rosemary.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Arc, Oneida-Lewis Chapter. Envelopes will be available.