FRANKFORT-Mr. Anthony F. “Tony” Bongiorno, 79, of South Frankfort St., a lifelong Frankfort resident, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday evening, February 25, 2009. He was born in Frankfort on June 13, 1929, son of the late Nicholas and Mary (Sylvester) Bongiorno and educated in Frankfort schools. On May 22, 1965, Tony was joined in Holy Matrimony with Mary Helmer in Annunciation Church; a union of 43 years characterized by respect for one another and mutual devotion. Tony was a proud United States Navy Veteran, serving for nearly four years. He enlisted into active service on July 23, 1946 and was honorably discharged on May 18, 1950 and served on the USS Toledo, USS Orleck, and the USS Wiltsie. He was the recipient of the World War II Victory Medal, Japanese Occupation Medal and the China Service Medal. Mr. Bongiorno was a well known self-employed mason for many years and a communicant of Our Lady Queen of Apostles Church, Frankfort. Survivors include his beloved wife Mary of Frankfort; a devoted son: Anthony Bongiorno and wife Kimberly of Frankfort; four close sisters: Frances and Rose Bongiorno of Frankfort, Agnes Salvaggio of Ilion and Theresa Bongiorno also of Ilion; two cherished grandchildren: Olivia and Michael Bongiorno; a sister-in-law, Betty Bongiorno of Mohawk; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by three brothers: Dominick Bongiorno, George and Phil Bongiorno and by a sister: Marie Clements. Relatives and friends are invited to visitation on Friday, February 27, 2009 from 5-8 p.m. at the Enea Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, between Frankfort and Ilion, 894-8000. Mr. Bongiorno’s funeral will commence at 10:15 on Saturday morning, Feb. 28th from the chapel of the funeral home where prayer will be offered and at 11 am from Our Lady Queen of Apostles Church, Frankfort where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Rev. Alfred Lamanna, pastor emeritus assisted by Deacon Jim Bower. He will be laid to rest later in the spring in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Frankfort where military honors will be offered by the US Navy. Kindly consider memorial offerings in his name to Hospice Care, Inc., Our Lady Queen of Apostles Church or the American Lung Association; envelopes may be obtained at the funeral home. Mr. Bongiorno’s strength of character and his selflessness provided his loved ones with staunch and dependable support throughout the years: he could always be relied upon for help, advice, encouragement and understanding. A part of Tony will live forever with his family and friends through his legacy of love and inspiration of his values. He was never happier than when spending time with his family, especially his cherished grandchildren. The Bongiorno family extends its heartfelt appreciation to the EMT’s of Frankfort Volunteer Fire Department for their professional and skilled efforts displayed on Wednesday evening and also to the emergency department of Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare, New Hartford for their kindness and compassion during this difficult time.