FRANKFORT: Mr. Salvatore "Deke" DiChristina, age 82, a lifelong Frankfort resident, passed away peacefully on Sunday evening, November 13, 2016, in the privacy and comfort of his home. At the time of his passing, he was surrounded by the love and support of his family at his bedside. Born on December 20, 1933, Sal was the son of the late Joseph and Elena Josephine (Guarnieri) DiGristina. He was a graduate of Frankfort High School and later went on to attend SUNY Oswego where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Education with a focus on English and History. From 1956-1960, Deke proudly served his country with the United States Air Force, earning the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. Deke spent his entire career as a teacher, serving the Whitesboro Central School District for 33 years. On June 16, 1962, Sal was wed to the former Mary Iacobucci, and together they shared in over 54 years of marriage. Sal and Mary raised their four daughters with traditional Italian values and instilled in them a strong work ethic, a love for family and a zest for life's simple pleasures. Sal spent his life devoted to his wife, daughters, grandchildren, students, community and country. In his spare time, he enjoyed golf, fishing, horses, poker and shuffleboard. He was a longtime member of the St. Francis diPaola Society and the Frankfort American Legion, and was a parishioner of Our Lady Queen of Apostles Church in Frankfort. Deke was blessed with a large family and an even larger group of friends that he made throughout his life. He will be dearly missed by his beloved wife, Mary; his daughters and sons-in-law, Linda and Joseph DeLuke, Diana DiChristina, and Maria and Paul Zito, all of Frankfort, and Cindy Tornatore and Enzo Casamento of Marcy; and his grandchildren, Francesca DeLuke, Erica DeLuke, Elaina Zito, Julia Zito, Bella Zito, Samuel Tornatore and Nicholas Tornatore. He also leaves his sisters and brother-in-law, Neva Volo of Little Falls, Rose Bellino of Frankfort, and Florence "Curly" and Carmen Cardarelli of Frankfort; his brother, Joseph DiGristina of Herkimer; his in-laws, Livia Terricola, Primo and Wanda Iacobucci, Frank DiSpirito and Josephine DiGristina; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Rosario DiGristina and his sister, Joanna DiSpirito. A special thank you is extended to Dr. Samir Desai and the staff of the Faxton Regional Cancer Center for the care provided to Sal throughout his illness; and to the nurses and caregivers from Hospice and Palliative Care and At Home Healthcare for the comfort they provided to the DiChristina family through Deke's last days. Friends and relatives are invited to attend Sal’s visitation, which will be held on Wednesday, November 16, 2016 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Town of Frankfort, Ilion, NY 315-894-8000. In lieu of flowers, you may remember Sal with contributions to Hospice & Palliative Care; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Sal’s funeral service will commence on Thursday, November 17, 2016, beginning at 9:45 AM from the chapel of the funeral home and at 10:30 AM at Our Lady Queen of Apostles Church, Frankfort where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Paul Catena, Pastor. Procession will follow to Mt. Olivet Cemetery where Sal will be laid to rest with full military honors. The St. Francis Society will meet at the funeral home at 6:00 PM on Wednesday for services. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Martin L. Ciaccia and Harry J. and Kevin E. Enea, Funeral Directors. To add an online note of sympathy, please visit www.eneafamily.com.