Frank Papandrea

CHESHIRE-Frank James Papandrea, 84, of Cheshire, passed away Monday afternoon Oct. 1, 2012, at his home surrounded by his family. He was the husband of Norma (Skinner) Papandrea.

A lifelong resident of Cheshire, Mr. Papandrea attended the University of Connecticut and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business. After graduating, he returned to Cheshire and managed his own vegetable farm for several years before becoming owner and operator of Tower Farms.

Mr. Papandrea was active in town government, serving several years on the Planning and Zoning Commission, and two terms on the Cheshire Town Council. He was also a member of the Connecticut State Agricultural Commission, and a member of the New Haven County Farm Bureau. Mr. Papandrea was a longtime supporter of the Cheshire Chamber of Commerce, and was an advisor to the Carl M. Small VO-AG School in Southington, CT. Frank was instrumental in the development of the Cheshire Linear Park, and the Cheshire Beautification Committee. As an avid supporter of Cheshire High School arts and athletics he was often seen in the stands cheering on the students. One of his favorite things was visiting Chapman School and reading to the students on American Education Week.

His many awards and achievements include the Paul Harris Fellow Award from the Cheshire Rotary Club, the Book of Golden Deeds from the Cheshire Exchange Club, and the Distinguished Service Award from the Cheshire Jaycee's. Frank also volunteered with his wife, Norma, for the Connecticut Chapter of the American Parkinson's Disease Association. In addition, Frank was an accomplished musician of both the trumpet and mandolin. He played with the Cheshire Community Band, as well as the Governor's Foot Guard. He loved dogs, cooking, and was often seen gardening behind his house after he retired.

Besides his wife of 57 years, he leaves three daughters: Linda Hall, Debrah Manke, and Katherine Ardesia, and sons-in-law Jonathan Manke and Dr. Robert Ardesia, and six grandchildren all of Cheshire. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins.

His funeral will be held on Friday Oct. 5, 2012 at 10:15 a.m. from the Alderson Funeral Home of Cheshire, 615 South Main St. and proceed to St. Bridget Church, 175 Main St. for a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow in Cheshire Hillside Cemetery, Wallingford Rd. Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday Oct. 4th from 4 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Frank J. Papandrea Scholarship Fund, c/o Alderson Funeral Homes, Inc., P.O. Box 89, Cheshire, 06410-0089.