Franklin A. Vassallo

Franklin Allen Vassallo, 91, passed away on June 22, 2025. He will be remembered as a kind and gentle soul with an enduring love for life. Born and raised in Waterbury, CT, Frank moved to Buffalo, NY, in 1957 to embark on a 39-year career as a research engineer at Calspan Corporation. An engineer at heart, Frank thrived on solving problems and took great pride in inspiring his children to become engineers themselves. Outside of his professional work, he was a man of many talents. He enjoyed cooking, woodworking, boating, and a wide array of hobbies including chess, bridge, golf, tennis, and curling. His passion for music was equally profound; Frank loved building and playing guitars, playing harmonica, composing original music, and performing with local musicians. Above all, Frank cherished his family. He was a true embodiment of kindness, love, and humility. He is survived by his beloved wife, Linda; sons Peter and Andrew (Marcie); daughter Melissa (Alex) Harden; and grandchildren Ryan, Noah, Vincent, and Zachary. Known for his generosity, Frank was always willing to give his time and support to causes close to his heart.