Obituary of Frank A. Olivetto
Frank Alfred “Al” Olivetto, passed away in the early morning hours at his home on Wednesday, July 19, 2023.
Born in Poughkeepsie in October 1937, and a lifelong resident of Dutchess County, he is the son of the late John Olivetto, Isabel Munson Ackert & stepfather Harry “Pops” Ackert. He was pre deceased by his brother John (Skip) Olivetto.
Frank enjoyed extracurricular activities as a teen in school and acted in school plays. He graduated from the Wappingers Central School District in 1955. He enlisted in the Army in 1955 and served in Korea until his honorable discharge in 1958 where he then settled down in Dutchess County to start a family with his bride. In June 1956, he married the one true love of his life, Joan Woolheiser and remained married 43 years until her passing in 1999.
Frank was a hard worker, balancing various jobs to provide for his family until he landed the ultimate gig that suited him perfectly, managing the guest services department at IBM East Fishkill until his retirement in 1993. His position entailed planning and coordinating many functions, some that would take him across the states and to other beautiful countries. His favorite successful event was held in Monaco where he and his wife met and made a lifelong family friend
He loved watching sports and was an avid New York Yankees and Giants fan but if his teams weren’t in contention, he was overall a New York fan
He was involved in the Town of Wappinger Little League starting out as assistant coach for Rowe Rutledge his first year, and then manager of Rose Stores and South Road Texaco for the next 17 years, where he won multiple championships and earned the position as manager of the Wappingers All Star Little League team
He loved camping, fishing and hunting. He took his family on numerous camping trips with other friends and family. Over the years the camping group called “The Dirty Dozen” formed, which consisted of the parents of six families. Some of the best times were had and great memories were made regardless if the weather was hot, cold, windy or it was torrentially raining and trenches were being dug around the camper in the middle of the night. He was known as “Uncle Al, the camper’s pal” always there to help someone when needed, even fellow campers he did not know, sharing supplies, food and drink.
Frank began hunting when he was a boy and continued to hunt all his life, loving his time in the woods until his body could no longer carry him. He enjoyed a great camaraderie hunting every season with his son, brother in law & friends aka “The Dance Hall Gang” where they would spend nights in a barn generously provided by a property owner in Millbrook.
He made sure he was present for his granddaughter’s softball games, dance recitals & fundraising events. He loved to go to yard sales and collect items he did not need just for the rush of a good deal and enjoyed hosting multiple yard sales of his own
Frank was a movie buff, his favorite being old westerns and WWII movies. He loved Christmas, traveling, enjoyed fine dining, learning about wine, cooking for others and in his younger years, working on his rock gardens. As time was winding down, he and his daughter would have nightly Jeopardy competitions.
He is survived by his son, Brian; son, Scott and girlfriend Judy; daughter, Jodi and husband Patrick; sister-in-law, Janice; his granddaughters, Ashley, Arie and Amber; great-grandson, Easton; and many nephews, nieces and friends.
Our hearts are fractured knowing we no longer have you here with us. “Time to Say Goodbye” by Andrea Bocelli & Sarah Brightman will always be your song.
A private graveside service will be held for family and close friends.
We’d like to thank Hospice for their outstanding care, their kindness, guidance and unwavering support. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hudson Valley Hospice in Frank’s name: https://www.hvhospice.org/donate-now/#Donate
