Mr. Frank J. Drapalski, of 71 Prospect St., went peacefully to the Lord on Sunday evening, August 15, 2004, in his home. He was born on October 29, 1917, in Herkimer, a son of the late Joseph and Sophie (Holynski) Drapalski and was educated in Herkimer schools. On June 26, 1938 he was united in marriage with the former Anne (Grzywaczewski) Gray in Sacred Heart Church, Little Falls, with whom he has shared a union of 66 years. Frank was a devoted and loving husband to Anne. They always relied on each other for strength and companionship. Polka dancing was a favorite hobby of theirs and they were members of the United Polka League of the Mohawk Valley. Frank's date of induction into the United States Army was on November 9, 1943. He served in Italy, France, and Germany with the 7th Inf., 3rd Div. as a heavy machine gunner and was awarded the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Purple Heart, and Croix De Guerre. He assembled and carried the gun for heavy weapons platoon and was the recipient of the American Service Medal, World War II Victory Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal-Distinguished Unit Badge and the Presidential Distinguished Unit Citation. On December 15, 1945, Frank received an honorable discharge from Fort Dix Separation Center in New Jersey. On April 2, 1992, he received a conspicuous service award on behalf of the representatives in the legislature and Governor Mario M. Quomo. All of Frank and Anne's working years were in the meat market and grocery business. They first operated a meat market and grocery store in Schenectady on Fifth Ave. for 18 years. Returning to Little Falls in 1955, they joined in partnership at Grays' Supermarket on John Street. Frank and his wife were faithful and weekly communicants of Holy Family Parish in Little Falls always relying on religion to guide and to comfort them. Frank was a member of the Disabled American Veterans. Frank is best remembered for his attentive concern and willingness to offer his assistance to his family and friends. Frank was a loving husband, a devoted father, and a proud grandfather and great-grandfather. He was ever faithful and attentive to his family, upon whom he bestowed his support and loving concern. Survivors include his loving wife of 66 years, Anne, who was at his side when his passing occurred; three sons: Joel Drapalski and wife Flora of Crownsville, MD.; Kerry Drapalski and wife Marcy of Severna Park, MD; and Mark Drapalski and wife Janet of Ilion; a daughter, Michele Brown and husband Gary of Little Falls; a brother, Edward Drapalski of Herkimer; a special sister in law, Jane Desmond of Blossvale, NY; a sister- in- law, Carolyn Drapalski, Stittville, NY; his grandchildren: Lori and Amy Drapalski; Julie Bonner and husband Justin; Jon and Steven Drapalski; Dawn Latrell and husband Joe; Michael Drapalski and wife Cheryl; Kristin Carroll and husband Robert; Joseph, Kathryn, Amanda, Jessica, Mark Drapalksi II, John, Caroline, and Frank Drapalski; Jennifer and Thomas Synakowski; Jason and Trista Brown; five adored great grandchildren: Ian, Fiona, and Shannon Latrell, and Katie and Christopher Synakowski; many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. He was predeceased by three brothers: Henry, Anthony and Walter Drapalski, and by a sister Mary Sklarz. Visitation at the Enea Funeral Home, 24 W. Monroe St., Little Falls, where the family will be present, will be held on Wednesday, August 18, 2004 from 5-8 p.m. Frank's funeral from Enea Funeral Home will commence at 8:15 am on Thursday morning, Aug. 19, where prayer will be offered and at 9 am from Holy Family Parish, Little Falls where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Rev. Mark Cunningham. Funeral procession will follow to St. Mary's Cemetery, town of Herkimer, where he will be laid to rest. Members of the United States Army will offer full military honors. Kindly consider contributions in memory of Frank to the Holy Family Parish Memorial Fund; donations may be made at the funeral home. For directions to the funeral home, click the facilities link above.