Francesca “Fran” Grassi Zimmer

Francesca (Fran) Grassi Zimmer 91 died peacefully on October 1, 2022.
Born Francesca Giovanna Liberatore to Giovanni and Clarina Liberatore, she spent her childhood on Robble Avenue on the North Side of Endicott, where she made many wonderful memories, and life long friends.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husbands Angelo F. Grassi and Richard A. Zimmer. Sisters Teresa DiPietro and Josephine Gaworecki. Brothers Nicolino and Joseph (in infancy)
She is survived by her children Dr. Douglas Grassi, Cindy(Randy) Ruggieri, Fr. Timothy Grassi, and Terri-Jo(George) Ramia.
She was Grandma to Dr. Eric (Michelle) Ruggieri, Dr. Jared Ruggieri, Matthew(Shannon) Ruggieri, and Christopher(Georgia) Hagger.
She was Nonni to Elijah and Elissar Ramia, and GG to Ava, Nora and Nico Ruggieri, Brody Ruggieri, Owen and Emma Ruggieri, and Remy and Huxley Hagger.
Also surviving are her sisters in law Joanne (Nick) Florini, Rosemarie Grassi, Kathie Grassi, and Beverly Cavalarro. Stepson Richard Zimmer. Several Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, and dearest lifelong friends Jeanette Ciotoli, Jean Lenzo and Kathleen McManus.
Special heartfelt thanks to her Patino (Godson) Bob Conti and his sister Doreen McGowan for their countless visits and concern, and to the staff at Ideal Skilled Nursing Center, for making her final days as comfortable as possible.
From the time she was a child, our Mom spent her life singing, and was known as the “Connie Francis of Endicott.” She sang for countless weddings and funerals, and her beautiful voice graced almost every church in Broome County.
She was also a proud member of the original St. Anthony Players, and a Director for the St. Mary of the Assumption Cabarets.
After raising her children, Mom found her second career as a “Van Cott Gem” where she was the number one salesperson for several years, and earned the title “The Mayor of the Mall.”
After retirement, in order to escape “Siberia” she spent her winters in Florida, moving permanently in 2016. She loved the time she spent there, and all of the wonderful friends she made.
Whether she was in New York or Florida, you could always find her in the kitchen cooking up some of her authentic Italian specialties, and delicious baked goods. Her cream puffs were the stuff legends are made of!
For Mom, life was about 4 things.. Faith, Family, Friends and Food. She loved fiercely, laughed from the depths of her soul, and lived her life passionately start to finish.
We were beyond Blessed to call her ours.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by her son Rev. Fr. Timothy Grassi on Friday October 7th, 11am, at St. Anthony of Padua Church 306 Odell Avenue Endicott. The family will receive friends at Allen Memorial Home, 511-513 East Main Street, Endicott, Thursday evening from 7-8:30.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Food Pantry at St. Anthony of Padua Church.