HERKIMER - Mr. Frank D. "Bo" Tangorra of Herkimer, NY, who was awarded a Purple Heart for his service with the U.S. Army during World War II, passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning March 11, 2014 in St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Utica, NY. A lifelong resident of Herkimer, he was born on August 27, 1924, the eldest son of the late Philip and Mary (Buttiglione) Tangorra and was educated in Herkimer schools. He was drafted into service on April 1, 1943 and departed for the African - Middle - Eastern Theater in September 1943. On January 7, 1944 Frank was critically wounded in Italy at the young age of 19. Paralyzed from an artillery shell, he endured years of painful rehabilitation and recovery at VA hospitals in Germany, West Virginia, Bath, NY and the Bronx before returning to his hometown. In September of 1954 Frank joined in marriage with the former Eileen Rathbun. The couple shared 45 years of marriage until her passing in July 1999. Mr. and Mrs. Tangorra were of the Catholic faith and had a deep appreciation for St. Francis de Sales Church in Herkimer. Frank overcame his very serious combat injuries and continued to enjoy his passion for hunting and fishing. Frank was an honored member of the Tony R. George Post as well as a life member of the Herkimer Michael S. Pliseck VFW Post #4915. He was a member of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, Mid-Valley Beagle Club, East Herkimer Fish and Game Club and the Sprite Club. An avid sportsman, his proudest accomplishments included twice winning the Genesee Fishing contest for Northern Pike. Frank was both admired and respected in his community, and this was reflected in the Herkimer County Legislature Proclamation naming October 24, 1981 as "Frank D. Tangorra Day". He absolutely loved to hunt and fish and his life sincerely revolved around his brothers, nephews and his entire family. He is survived by his siblings: sisters: Bella Aiello and Lucy Marollo of Herkimer; brothers: Michael Tangorra and his wife Joan of Ohio; and Philip "Junior" Tangorra and his wife Elizabeth of Frankfort; sisters: Janet Palmieri and husband William of Herkimer, Palma Calenzo and husband David of Herkimer and Kathy Barrett and husband Frank of Ilion; his aunt: Bella Bono of Frankfort; in-laws Anita Martin, Harriett Tangorra, Theresa Tangorra, and Paul Zito; along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his sisters: Vita Palumbo, Rose Maida and Elaine Zito, and his brothers: Alex Tangorra, Cosimo Tangorra and Richard Tangorra. Funeral services will be held on Saturday March 15, 2014 at 9:15 AM from The Enea Family Funeral Home, 220 North Washington Street, Herkimer, NY and at 10:00 AM from St. Francis de Sales Church, North Bellinger Street Herkimer where Mr. Tangorra's Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Very Reverend Mark Cunningham, Pastor. Spring burial with full Military Honors will take place at Calvary Cemetery, Herkimer at a time to be announced. Calling hours at the Enea Family funeral home on North Washington Street in Herkimer are Friday March 14thfrom 4 until 8 PM. The members of the Michael S. Pliseck VFW Post #4915 will offer services Friday evening at 7:00 PM at the funeral home. Those wishing to remember Mr. Tangorra in a special way are asked to consider either Paralyzed Veterans of America, 801 Eighteenth Street, NW Washington, DC 20006-3517 or the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300 Jacksonville, FL 32256. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home for these purposes. An online memorial page in honor of WW II Veteran Frank D. Tangorra has been established at www.eneafamily.com. The family is being served by funeral directors Harry & Kevin Enea 315-866-1011. Those who may need a ride to the calling hours are encouraged to call the funeral home for assistance.