Obituary of Marion Francis “Frank” Stempien

October 15, 2007 Marion Francis “Frank” Stempien, Sr., 93, of 504 Glenview Parkway and Virginia Beach, passed away on October 15, 2007 while in Virginia. Frank was a life-long communicant of Sacred Heart Basilica and a 4th degree Knight of Columbus of the Sacred Heart Council 06282. He was graduated from Sacred Heart Grammar School, Christian Brothers Academy, and Central City Business Institute. A great believer in education, Frank provided both time and financial support to his alma maters. Frank and his wife Adele, were married for 61 years and raised six children, all of whom attended Sacred Heart and went on to successful professional careers. He is predeceased by his wife, Adele, and son, Frank, Jr. Frank,Sr. is survived by his older sister, Agnes Dembowski, his son, Mark Joseph “Joe” Stepien, his daughters, Alicia Castrello and Adele Curcio, all of Syracuse, and Antoinette Isyk and Andrea Price, both of whom reside in Virginia. Frank is survived by 15 grandchildren, dozens of great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. A successful and respected business man for over 60 year, Frank, Sr. owned and operated Tuffley & Son Trucking with terminals in Syracuse, Cortland, and Binghamton, Day and Night Garage, and later in his “retirement,” ACT Trucking. He was a founder of the Motor Carrier Association of Central New York and the Teamsters Credit Union, having served as Director of the latter as well as in several other capacities over the years. He served as Director of the New York State Motor Carrier Association Rate Conference. Frank, Sr. was recognized by the Transportation Club of Central New York and the industry as the official placement coordinator for anyone seeking employees or employment in the trucking industry. He assisted hundreds of individuals in their professional careers over the expanse of his career, and well into his retirement.  Because of his “consistent dedication to the field of transportation” and “the respect and esteem which the industry and its practitioners” held for him, Frank was chosen “Man of the Year” in l979. A long-time member of the Turner Club and Pastime Club in Syracuse, Frank, Sr. enjoyed swimming, bowling, golf, and fishing, and in his later years, crossword puzzles and shopping for the best bargains. Calling Hours: Friday 4 to7PM Hollis Funeral Home, Syracuse Funeral Services: Saturday 8:45 AM at Hollis Funeral Home and 9:30 AM in The Basilica of The Sacred Heart of Jesus. Burial: Sacred Heart Cemetery., Geddes Donations may be made in his honor to the Knights of Columbus, Sacred Heart Council 6282 or the Central New York Alzheimer’s Association.