Saratoga Springs, NY - Frank L. Buffardi passed away Wednesday, November 16, 2011, at Saratoga Hospital after a brief illness. He was 92.
Born on September 26, 1919, in Ballston Spa, he was the son of the late Louis and Philomena (Miranda) Buffardi and was a graduate of Ballston Spa High School. He served in the U.S. Army during WW II in the European Theatre attaining the rank of captain. On October 26, 1947, he married the former Elizabeth Del Vecchio in Saratoga Springs and was happily married for 51 years before her death on January 12, 1998.
He was a contractor by trade and together with his brother Lucian, built many houses as well as gas stations and supermarkets. An avid and accomplished area golfer, he won numerous tournaments including several NY State Senior Championships. Frank was a horse owner and a fixture at Saratoga Raceway for more than 60 years and also owned and raced harness horses and helped organize the Northeast Harness Horse Association at Saratoga. He was a former director of the Harness Horse International formed at Pompano Raceway in 1966.
In addition to his parents and his wife, he was predeceased by his brothers, Lucian, Louis, Harry and Michael; sister, Anna Tuccillo; and son-in-law, Joseph Winney.
Survivors include two daughters, Patricia (Terry) Fitch of Boonville and Maureen Winney of Malta; three grandchildren, five great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends may call from 4-7 p.m. Friday, November 18, 2011, at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, (518) 584-5373.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, November 19, 2011, at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, 167 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa.
Burial with military honors will follow in the family plot at St. Peter's Cemetery, West Ave., Saratoga Springs.
Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.
