Frank A. Marley, age 78, a longtime resident of 65 N. Fourth Ave., Ilion, passed away at home on Friday, February 3, 2006, with his loved ones by his side. Frank was born May 27, 1927 in Herkimer, the son of the late Bert and Jennie (Loughlin) Marley. He attended Ilion schools and was a graduate of Ilion High School, "Class of 44." Frank continued his education at Utica College, graduating in 1951, and went on to obtain his Master's degree in Social Work from the University of St. Louis. A veteran of WWII, Frank served with the US Navy. On July 4, 1953, Frank was united in marriage to Mary H. Daly at St. Francis DeSales Church in Herkimer. They shared a blessed and devoted union of over 52 years. Frank was employed as the Director of Herkimer County Mental Health, retiring in 1989, but still working part-time up to a few weeks ago. Prior to that he was employed by the New York State Office of Mental Health, retiring in 1983. Frank began his career helping others at Catholic Charities in Utica. He was of the Roman Catholic faith, a member of the University of St. Louis Alumni Assoc., Ilion Elks Lodge 1444, and at one time a member of the Ilion Knights of Columbus. Frank was truly dedicated to his profession and enjoyed his work. A private man, Frank's life was centered around his beloved family. Survivors include his loving wife, Mary, at home; one daughter and son-in-law, Kate and Jim LaPaglia of Deerfield; two sons and daughters-in-law, Joe Marley and his wife, Pina, of Rochester, Dr. David and Dr. Elizabeth Marley of Winston-Salem, NC; his cherished grandchildren, Jim, Alyssa and Kathryn LaPaglia, Dustin, Melina and Mathew Marley, Megan and Logan Marley; his sisters, Marian Marley of Ilion and Edna Marley of Mohawk; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Joan and Joe Durkin of Ilion; and sister-in-law, Peg Marley of Ilion; many nieces, nephews, dear friends and neighbors; including his special friends, Mary and John Janicki, Marilyn and Bob Salisbury, all of Ilion, and Mike and Carol McGuirl of Utica. He was predeceased by his sisters, Ruth McGrellis, Helen North, Lila Andrews; and his brother, John Marley. Family and friends are invited to visitation on Monday, February 6th, from 4 to 7 p.m., at the Applegate & Day Funeral Home, 102 West St., Ilion. The Ilion Elks ritual will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home. Frank's funeral services will be held Tuesday, commencing at 12:15 p.m. at the Applegate & Day Funeral Home, Ilion, and 1 p.m. at the Church of the Annunciation, Ilion, where Father Terrance Healey and Deacon Jim Bower will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial. Procession to Armory Hill Cemetery for interment will follow Mass. A special thanks from Frank's family to Dr. Garg, Dr. Desai and Hospice for all their care and assistance. In lieu of floral offerings, please consider memorials in Frank's name to the Ilion Ambulance Fund or Mass cards in his memory. Ambulance donation envelopes will be available at the funeral home and church. FOr directions to the funeral home, click the facilities link above.