Frank Stanley Korona, took his final journey from this earth, on August 16, 2023, after a long illness. Acknowledged by all as a happy person, Frank began his full and adventurous life on September 27, 1930. Born to Mary (Gonsior) (1896 – 1973) and John Joseph Korona (1885 – 1965) in the Thompsonville section of Enfield, he was the fifth child in a family of seven close-knit siblings. Frank attended Enfield Public Schools graduating from Enfield High School in 1949.

During these early years, with deep faith, Frank began his life-long commitment as an active, practicing Catholic at Saint Adalbert Church, on Alden Avenue, near the neighborhood where he grew up. Beginning as a student and altar server, Frank continued as an usher, Eucharistic Minister, and member of the Parish Council. Eventually, living diagonally across the street from the church until November 2018, when he fell and broke his hip.

At the age of 20, Frank enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, which changed his environment from quiet Thompsonville to cosmopolitan Paris, France. He proudly served in the Air Force from January 6, 1951 through January 5, 1955. During his tour of duty, he was stationed at the Headquarters of the Allied American Forces Central Europe, Fontainebleau, France. As part of NATO, AAFCE coordinated and controlled allied air assets in the NATO central region. This experience introduced Frank to the beauty of European culture which became a life-long interest.

Frank loved to travel, often saying the best education comes from travel. He enthusiastically worked for Eastern Airlines from 1962-1991, with many of those years at the customer service ticket counter. This was a perfect position for Frank’s gregarious personality along with an opportunity to travel extensively, from London to Paris, to Prague, to Krakow, and beyond. With an eye for beauty Frank photographed the architecture, landscape, culture, and people of the places he visited, sharing them with siblings, nieces, and nephews, bringing the beauty and diversity of world cultures to his extended family.

The military continued to play a significant role in Frank’s life, with many close friends who were part of his military family. Frank was an active member of the American Legion John Maciolek Post 154 for many years, participating in many of the organization’s activities including Military Honors at funerals, Color Guard, and Chaplin Masses. Frank was a member of the executive committee for post 154, on the ambulance committee that raised funds for the ambulances in Enfield and he was a recipient of the Legion of Honor Award from the Chapel of the Four Chaplains. Frank served the town of Enfield as a member of the town Democratic Party.

As the last of his generation of the Korona family, Frank was predeceased by his adoring siblings; Julia and husband Edward Sobinski, Walter and wife Gertrude Korona, Sophie and husband Anthony Strycharz, Josephine Korona, Helen and husband Frank Corbo, and Joseph and wife Ann Korona. Frank is survived by his close advocates and advisors, nephew, John Korona, and niece Mary Jane Sobinski-Smith, as well as many additional nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, great grand-nieces, and great-grand nephews.

The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to the “D Wing” staff at Heritage Hall West in Agawam, MA, especially Lynn, Garnet, and Nordica for the kindness and care extended to Frank during the last 5 years.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 26, 2023 at Leete-Stevens Enfield Chapels, 61 South Rd. Enfield. Following visitation, a procession will leave the funeral home for a 10:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at St. Patrick Church, Enfield. Committal with military honors, will follow at St. Adalbert's Cemetery. Donations in Frank's memory may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.

Saturday, August 26th, 2023 9:00am - 10:00am
Location
Leete Stevens Enfield Chapels
Address
61 South Rd.
Enfield, CT 06082