Francis L. Aromola Sr.

AROMOLA - Francis L. Sr. "Frank" Of West Seneca. Entered into rest December 13, 2018. Beloved husband of Geraldine M. "Geri" (nee Saltzman) Aromola; devoted father of Frank Jr. (Kimberly) Aromola, Joseph (Timi) Aromola and the late Linda (Edward) O'Connell; step-father of Angela (Kenneth) Wallens-Sykes, Lisa (Kevin) Currier and Angelo (Penny) Lima; cherished grandfather of 20 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; loving son of the late Salvatore and Mary Aromola; dear brother of Salvatore (Barbara) Aromola and Constance (late Paul) Hageman; also survived by several nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends may visit the LOMBARDO FUNERAL HOME (Southtowns Chapel), 3060 Abbott Rd., near Lake Ave., on Saturday (December 15) from 3-6 PM. Funeral Service will immediately follow. Aug. 27, 1937 Dec. 13, 2018 Francis L. Frank Aromola Sr., a retired chief engineer and custodian in the Buffalo schools, died Dec. 13 in his West Seneca home after a period of declining health. He was 81. Born in Buffalo, the son of a stationary engineer, he began working part-time as a janitor at Buffalo School 67 while he was a student at Seneca Vocational High School. He graduated in 1955, served in the Army National Guard and was called to active duty stateside during the Berlin crisis in 1961. His father encouraged him to become a licensed stationary engineer so that he could work in schools that had furnaces with steam boilers. After getting his license and passing the civil service exam, he worked at Republic Steel until 1969, when he was hired as an engineer by the Buffalo Board of Education. As a chief engineer and custodian, Mr. Aromola worked at nine elementary schools and retired from Kensington High School in 2003. He was a member of Locals 409 and 409A, International Union of Operating Engineers, and was elected recording corresponding secretary, a post he held for 19 years. In retirement, he and his wife spent numerous winters in Palm Springs, Calif. A devoted Frank Sinatra fan, he regularly visited the singers favorite haunts in and around Palm Springs. Survivors include his wife of 23 years, the former Geraldine M. Geri Saltzman; two sons, Frank Jr. and Joseph; a step-son, Angelo Lima; two step-daughters, Angela Wallens-Sykes and Lisa Currier; a brother, Salvatore D.; a sister, Constance Hageman; 20 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.