A native & lifelong resident of Hornell, he was born February 12, 1929, and was the son of Silvino & Dorothy (Feeney) Argentieri.
Babi was a graduate of St. Ann’s School and later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1947). While in high school, he excelled in sports and following graduation played football in a local semi-pro league (1948-1949).
He was a veteran of the US Army, serving his country during the Korean Conflict. While serving in the military, Babi was wounded twice by shrapnel and received two Purple Heart Medals. He was honorably discharged in 1952.
Francis was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and had been a member of St. Ignatius Loyola Church. He was a member of St. Ann’s School Board, and president of St. Ann’s Alumni Association. He was also a member of the Hornell American Legion.
In his younger years, Babi enjoyed bowling and was a member of several bowling teams that competed in various tournaments and several bowling leagues. He was a New York Yankees fan and also enjoyed rooting for the Irish of Notre Dame. Babi was a constant fan and supporter at all of his grandchildren’s scholastic and sporting events.
As a young man, Babi worked at Argentieri’s Meat Market as a delivery man and also worked behind the counter. He was employed for 39 years at the Hornell Post Office in many capacities, including mail carrier and window clerk, retiring in August of 1990 as Superintendant.
In addition to his parents, Francis was preceded in death by his brother, Robert “Bob” Argentieri.
He was married on November 14, 1953 to the former Mary Ann Glynn who survives. Also surviving are 4 daughters, Elizabeth “Liz” (Albert) Lucarelli of Elmira, Mary Frances Conner of Pittsburg, PA, Jeanne (Jeffrey) Black of Naples, NY and Ann (Joe) Brungard of Hornell; 2 sons, Francis “Fran” (Colleen) Argentieri of Hornellsville and Stephen (Michele) Argentieri of Syracuse; 2 brothers, William “Chop” Argentieri of Hornell and James (Phyllis) Argentieri of Hornell; 1 sister, Mary Agnes (Donald) Crosby of Hornell; 17 grandchildren, 1 great-granddaughter; several brother and sister in-laws, many nieces, nephews & cousins.
The family of Francis S. “Babi” Argentieri will receive friends on Tuesday (March 21st) from 4:00 p.m.– 7:00 p.m. at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday (March 22nd) at 2:00 p.m. at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Babi’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Rochester Chapter, P.O. Box 368 Pittsford NY 14534. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.
In recognition to Francis’ service to his country during the Korean Conflict, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.
