As I prepare to leave this earthly journey, my heart overflows with gratitude, love, and memories. It’s not easy to say goodbye, but I want to leave you with my words, a reflection of the life we shared and the legacy I hope will continue to inspire all of you.
To My Daughters, Maria and Gina
My beloved Maria and Gina, you are the light of my life. From the moment I held you in my arms, I knew my purpose was to create a future that would give you strength, stability, and joy. Every late night, every challenge I faced, and every decision I made was driven by my deep, unwavering love for you.
Never forget how proud I am of the women you’ve become. You carry my heart within yours, and I know you will continue to walk through life with grace, determination, and kindness. Remember, success is not measured by wealth alone but by the impact you have on the lives around you. Be strong, be generous, and above all, be happy.
To My Dear Wife, Diane
As I prepare to say my final goodbye, I find myself overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible life we shared and the love that bound us together through every season. You were not just my wife—you were my rock, my sanctuary, and the light that guided me in my darkest moments.
Your unwavering care and devotion, especially in these later years, have been nothing short of extraordinary. You gave yourself completely, tending to my every need with a grace and strength that left me in awe. You carried burdens I could no longer bear and faced challenges with a quiet resilience that spoke volumes about the incredible woman you are.
Diane, you gave me the greatest gift anyone could ever offer—your heart, your time, and your unshakeable commitment to stand by my side. There were days when my spirit faltered, but you were always there, lifting me up, reminding me of the beauty in life, and loving me unconditionally.
I want you to know that your love has been my greatest treasure, and your dedication has left an indelible mark on my soul. I leave this world with a heart full of admiration and respect for you, my beloved Diane.
Though I must go, know that my love for you transcends time and space. I will carry you with me always, just as I hope you will carry the memories of our life together. Be strong, my love, and remember that you were the best part of my journey.
Thank you for everything, Diane. I will love you forever.
To My Brother John and My Sister Mary
John, my little brother, you were the embodiment of hope in our tough, difficult beginnings in America. I have always admired your resilience and the way you stood firm on our family values. As the youngest, you made us laugh and reminded us to find joy, even in the most difficult times.
To my dear sister Mary, you were my confidante and my anchor when life’s storms grew heavy. Your wisdom and love have guided me more times than you’ll ever know. I leave this world with the comfort of knowing you will continue to keep our family united.
To My Grandchildren and Nieces and Nephews
To my grandchildren, you are my living legacy. Each of you has the potential to shape the world in your unique way. Embrace life with courage and curiosity, and never forget the sacrifices made to give you a foundation of opportunity.
To my nieces and nephews, know that family is our greatest strength. Support one another, cherish your roots, and never stop striving for your dreams.
To My Employees and my dear friend Lee
As I prepare to say goodbye, I want you to know how much you have meant to me through every high and low, every success and setback we’ve faced together. You have been more than just a friend—you’ve been my confidante, my counselor, and my unwavering source of support. In moments when I felt overwhelmed or uncertain, you were always there to listen without judgment, offering words that brought me peace and clarity.
You will always hold a special place in my heart. I am profoundly grateful to God for bringing you into my life and for the privilege of sharing so many meaningful moments with you. No matter where I go now, your kindness, wisdom, and friendship will remain a part of me.
To my hardworking employees, you were not just workers in my business but a vital part of the vision I sought to build. I owe much of my success to your dedication and effort.
Continue to treat your work as a means to uplift others, not just yourself. Your integrity and perseverance will always be your greatest assets.
To My Tenants
To my tenants, you were more than just residents in properties I owned; you were part of the heartbeat of this journey. It gave me immense joy to see families grow, thrive, and build futures in homes I helped make possible.
Keep building your dreams, brick by brick. A home is not just walls and a roof; it’s a place where love, hope, and ambition are nurtured.
To My Friends and Extended Family
To all my friends and those I’ve crossed paths with, you’ve enriched my life in ways words cannot fully express. Whether through laughter, shared wisdom, or quiet moments, you reminded me of the beauty of human connection.
Carry forward the spirit of generosity, friendship, and loyalty. Life is fleeting, but relationships are eternal.
Final Thoughts
As I take my leave, I want each of you to know this: Life is not about accumulating wealth or titles but about the love we give and the legacy we leave behind.
My life was filled with blessings, challenges, and triumphs, but the greatest gift of all was the people I was privileged to love and be loved by. I hope my actions spoke louder than my words and that my legacy will live on through the kindness and courage you carry forward.
Remember, family is everything. Work hard but never forget to nurture the bonds that truly matter. Be good to one another, help those in need, and cherish every moment.
Though I may not be with you in body, my spirit will always remain, woven into the stories, laughter, and love that we shared.
Until we meet again,
Frank Raspante
RIP
Frank Raspante! Your family and friends are very grateful to have known you. We wish that the peace, love and glory of God welcome you into His holy coffin. We will always remember you and your legacy will not fade away in time.
Querido Frank,
Hoy me despido de ti con el corazón lleno de gratitud y un profundo respeto por el hombre extraordinario que fuiste. Conocerte fue una de las mayores bendiciones de mi vida, no solo porque tu confianza me permitió dar el primer paso hacia el sueño de ser dueño de mi propia casa, sino porque de ese primer negocio nació una amistad que siempre atesoraré.
Eras más que un magnate de bienes raíces; eras un visionario con un corazón generoso. No solo me diste la oportunidad de adquirir mi primer hogar, sino que también me brindaste el privilegio de comprar la casa que había sido tuya, un lugar cargado de historia y recuerdos. Fue allí, en esa casa en Utica, NY, donde viví algunos de los mejores años de mi vida, y donde ahora resido con mi familia, llenando ese espacio de nuevos sueños y momentos inolvidables.
Siempre admiré tu sabiduría y la forma en que convertías cada negocio en una oportunidad para mejorar la vida de los demás. Pero, sobre todo, valoré la amistad genuina que compartimos, esa conexión que iba más allá de los negocios. Tu confianza en mí y tu constante apoyo dejaron una marca imborrable en mi vida.
Hoy, el mundo pierde a un hombre único, pero todos los que tuvimos el privilegio de conocerte llevaremos tu legado en nuestros corazones. Espero que, desde donde estés, encuentres paz al saber que impactaste la vida de tantos con tu bondad, tu visión y tu dedicación.
Tu casa, Frank, sigue siendo un hogar lleno de vida y amor, un testimonio de quién fuiste y de cómo lograste tocar la vida de quienes te rodearon.
Hasta siempre, amigo mío. Gracias por haber sido parte de mi historia y por permitirme ser parte de la tuya. Descansa en paz, querido Frank.
Con cariño y admiración,
Esteban Bueno
I thank God for giving me the opportunity to meet this man who was a great human being who in one way or another always helped my family and I in our first steps in this city. Thanks to Mr. Frank, my family can count on a place worthy of a home where I can grow and raise my children. I am and will always be immensely grateful. May his soul rest in peace and may God bless his family. My most sincere condolences to his family.
Thank you, Mr. Frank, for helping us fulfill one of the most important dreams of our lives: obtaining our first home in this country.
Your legacy transcends beyond the homes you helped obtain. You created futures, strengthened families, and gave hope to those starting over.
Even though you are no longer with us, your impact will live on in every loving home you helped create.
We will always remember you with gratitude and affection. Rest in peace.
Thank you for the opportunity to express my sincere condolences to the Raspante family. Frank was a man to whom my family and I are immensely grateful. May God have him in his holy glory.