Francis Boccabella, III

Francis “Frank” Boccabella, III, entered into the Lord’s presence on April 2, 2020 at the age of 39.  Born on March 10, 1981, a native of South Ozone Park, NY, Frank was the youngest of five children of Francis Boccabella, Jr. and Jeanette.  He attended Our Lady of Perpetual Help Elementary School.  It was during this time that he started in what would become a guiding force throughout his life, Boy Scouts.  Always passionate about helping others, Frank continued in Boy Scouts, achieving his Eagle Scout in January 1997 with his project: a Special Olympics Bowling Tournament for over 70 athletes.  This project and the commitment to the Scout Law led him to work at Baiting Hollow Scout Camp for many summers between high school and college. From Archbishop Molloy High School, Frank went on to Hofstra University receiving his degree in Geology.

After college, Frank began working for the Department of Homeland Security’s Transportation Security Administration at JFK Airport and, after meeting his wife Julie, took a promotion at Newark Liberty International Airport as an Explosive Detective Canine Handler with his partner, Bullet (Previous Partners: Zmay and Pina).  It was in this job that Frank found his true calling, protecting and serving.  Frank’s focus was always on the treatment of the canines and making sure that they were a good line of security in the airports.  He took great pride in serving others and keeping them safe.

His passion for photography, family, and friends was the inspiration for Boccabella Imagery.

It was a rare occasion to see Frank without a camera in his hand at any family function and he always had a way of capturing a moment in time perfectly.

Frank leaves behind his beloved wife of 9 years, Julie (nee Volonnino), along with their two dogs, Pina and Bullet. Their love was a “perfect match” grounded in family values and their faith and they took great joy in each other’s company. Whether traveling the World (Showcase), working together, or hosting their annual Friendsmas celebration, their deep love was apparent to all.  A dedicated New York Sports fan (Mets, Jets, Rangers), Frank enjoyed nights at the Garden or in any baseball stadium. Their magical imaginations collided in their love of all things Disney, escaping to Main Street, USA frequently.

Frank was a member of the Knights of Columbus Our Lady of Perpetual Help/Msgr. Flynn Council No. 17153. He and Julie also spent time at their home parish, Church of the Presentation, working in Youth Ministry, where Frank was an incredible mentor to the teenagers of the parish.

Frank is predeceased by his mother, Jeanette Boccabella (nee Spates).  He is survived by his father, Francis, sisters, JoVanna Michel (Roy), Kari Weber (Ron), Andrea Luken (Brian), brother, Mario Boccabella (Beata), brothers-in-law, Anthony Volonnino, Robert Volonnino (Geraldine), Frank Volonnino (Jackie), and Michael Volonnino, mother-in-law and father-in-law, Marianne and Antonio Volonnino. He is also survived by countless nieces and nephews (both by blood and friendship), aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

A gentle giant with a magnetic smile and a heart of gold, Frank was always ready to embrace anyone in a big bear hug.  He was a source of joy to all who knew him. A loyal and dedicated friend, Frank was always there for those he loved (which was everyone he met). He was the ultimate protector: in his job, for his family, for his friends, and for good in this world.  There will be an indelible hole left in everyone’s lives with this loss, but those who loved him cherish his memory and know that he did what we should all hope to do:  He left a positive mark upon everyone he met.  Frank will never be forgotten.

Donations can be made in Frank’s honor to the United States War Dogs Association at

http://www.uswardogs.org/donations/

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