January 22, 1944 – January 28, 2021 Frank Joseph Abbracciamento, a Brooklyn Native and Lifetime Restauranteur, who designed, built and operated the famed Abbracciamento on the Pier, a fine-dining waterfront landmark, overlooking the Jamaica Bay, died on January 28, 2021 at St. Francis Hospital in Roslyn, New York. He was 77. Frank was born in Brooklyn on January 22, 1944, second of four children of Salvatore and Frances Abbracciamento. Sal immigrated from Naples, Italy as a child and Frances is a first-generation Italian American. His maternal grandmother was from Montemaggiore Belsito, his maternal grandfather was from Genoa, and his paternal grandparents from San Giuseppe Vesuviano. Frank’s parents, Sal and Frances, launched the opening of the first namesake Italian restaurants in 1937 on Liberty Avenue in Brooklyn. Frank and siblings, brother, John, and sisters, Alda and Josine, were raised above their family restaurant in East New York. Frank’s late father, Sal Abbracciamento, who died in 1966, was known not only as a great restauranteur, but also for his philanthropic efforts. PS108 in Brooklyn bares his namesake as the Sal Abbracciamento School. His mother, Frances, was the backbone of the restaurant legacy. In addition to her restaurant endeavors, she became a state committee woman for the democratic party and was schoolboard president for district 19 for 13 years. Frank attended St. Rita’s Grammar School, Delehanty High School and St. Francis College. Following college, Frank enlisted in the army and went on to become an accomplished civil engineer as the superintendent of buildings in Manhattan for Caristo Construction Company; however, the culinary world was Frank’s passion. In the 1970s, Frank’s passion materialized with the opening of The York River Club, a Manhattan East Side supper club frequented by elite entertainers of the day. Realizing his dream, the pinnacle of his career came when he opened Abbracciamento on the Pier in 1983. For 18 years the restaurant became a go to for dignitaries and politicians alike. Due to its location on the Canarsie Pier, the restaurant flourished into an international hub. As an active philanthropist, Mr. Abbracciamento was ever open to hosting community events, notably the annual Blessing of the Fleet where he was first introduced to the then president of The Explorers Club. Mr. Abbracciamento established New York Catering and solidified a 23 year relationship as the exclusive inhouse catering and events team. In November 2019, Frank continued his namesake legacy with the opening of Abbracciamento on Merrick Road in Lynbrook. His new establishment boasted generational success, serving up authentic Italian fare cooked with all the right ingredients, especially love. Frank was an avid car enthusiast, only secondary to his love of music and travel. Mr. Abbracciamento is remembered by many to be a man of honor and full of generosity. A longtime resident of Belle Harbor, Queens, Frank is survived by his wife Aniko of Far Rockaway, two daughters, Franca Menechino and her husband Michael, Alexis Bruno and her husband Frank, and eight grandchildren, Gianna Mascaro, Michael, Peter, Frank and Pierce Menechino, Frank, Allegra and Lia Bruno. Frank was preceded in death by his eldest child and beloved son, Salvatore Abbracciamento. Frank is also survived by his mother, Frances, 107 years young, who resides in Breezy Point. Just as his father, he lived by this creed: “I shall pass through this world but once Any good, therefore, that I can do Or any kindness I can show to any human being, let me do it now.” --Stephen Grellet In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are welcome in Frank’s honor and can be made to the Family & Children’s Association of Long Island Resource Development 100 East Old Country Road, Suite 24 Mineola, New York 11501 Office 516-746-0350 x0 Or Online https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=fcassoc&id=62