Franklin George LoPresti, 73, of 2016 State Route 30, Tupper Lake, passed away peacefully after a lengthy illness on Tuesday, October 27, 2009, with his wife by his side.
Born in Rochester, NY on June 18, 1936, he was the son of Philip and Angela (Bono) LoPresti. After attending local schools, Frank received a B.S. in Physics and Mathematics in 1960 from Baldwin Wallace College in Berea, OH. He was a president of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity, a president of the Intrafraternity Council and chairman of the Student Activities Board. He also competed in varsity wrestling. Frank financed 95% of his college education by working long hours after classes as an evening mechanic and tow truck driver.
Hired by Bausch & Lomb Inc., Scientific Products Division in 1961 as an Industrial Engineer, he was responsible for new product problem solving in the production of optical/mechanical instruments. He progressed to Manufacturing Engineer Project Leader in 1965, Section Head of Manufacturing in 1966, Manager, Manufacturing and Industrial Engineering in 1969, Manager of Market Research/Product Planning in 1971, Group Product Manager in 1974 and Director of Business Planning, Scientific Optical Products in 1979. Frank was then recruited by Wetterings & Agnew Inc., an executive search firm, as Manager, Research and Development Division. There he specialized in technical placements of hardware, software, electronic, plastic, optical, chemical and mechanical engineers. Within two years he ranked with the firm’s seasoned top producers, set a new record for highest production in one month and received national recognition twice for top production from one of the largest U.S. placement associations. In 1984 he established his own firm, Franklin Associates Inc., in Raleigh, NC, providing comprehensive search service for marketing, manufacturing and engineering professionals to the management level and marketing to high technology companies along the east coast.
He married Patricia Kolozvary of Rochester, NY on June 20, 1964. They had three children; a daughter, Regina and twin sons, Marco and Matthew. Frank later met and married Maureen Magher of Tupper Lake on June 15, 1985. They at first made their home in Raleigh, NC and later relocated to Tupper Lake in 1987 when Maureen returned to teaching after a five year hiatus. During the past twenty-two years in Tupper Lake, Frank made many good friends and quietly helped many people. If he saw a need he was quick to respond with a helping hand. He was very gifted mechanically and loved fast cars. The highlight on a trip to Italy with his wife was a visit to the Lamborghini factory in St. Agathe where he spent the morning conversing with production line engineers. They offered him an opportunity to try one out around the town, but he graciously declined. He was also a craftsman woodworker accustomed to renovating old homes, spending extra time to get the details just right.
He mentored many young people, guiding them in effective resume development and fine tuning their career search strategies. With his wife teaching at Long Lake Central School, Frank volunteered for many school activities and was drafted for many others. Chaperoning a trip to Montreal or Paris, setting up for a prom or hauling Christmas trees---he was there. Frank was an optimistic person with a ready smile and a hearty laugh. He was also a deeply loyal, loving and empathetic individual. He was a gentleman.
Frank is survived by his wife, Maureen, his children, Regina LoPresti and Marco LoPresti of Rochester and his brother, John Allen LoPresti of Seattle, WA. He was predeceased by his parents, a brother, Philip, and his son Matthew.
Calling hours were held at the Stuart Fortune Keough Funeral Home on Friday, October 30, 2009 from 7 to 9 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial was held at St. Alphonsus Church at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 31, 2009. Burial followed at the parish cemetery with an open house held immediately after at the LoPresti home.
Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider High Peaks Hospice. Online condolences may be made at www.stuartfortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.