Obituary of Frank Borbely

Frank A. Borbely, Sr.

Frank (Ferenc) Alexander Borbely, 85, of Rome, New York passed away on March 27, 2023. Born on July 31, 1937 in Papa, Hungary, he was a son of the late Joseph and Theresa (Horvath) Borbely. At 18 years old Frank fled from Hungary to America as a refugee, a country he was grateful for and proud to call his home.  Frank planted roots in Rome, New York, it was here that he met the love of his life Carol Eggan, the two were united in holy matrimony on May 21, 1960, holding their ceremony at First Baptist Church of Rome. The two shared a wonderful life and were blessed with two children, a daughter, Cindy, and a son, Frank, Jr. Frank had a successful career as the head butcher at Victory Markets and Great American for 33 years.

Frank had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone, he led by example, always showing kindness and willingness to help others. He was hardworking and never sat idle, his gentle hands told the story of his hard work, humility, and perseverance. Although he was a man of few words, he was a welcome presence anywhere he went, he thrived on being around people and enjoying all that life had to offer. He always had a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eyes that would light up the room everywhere he went, and he will be missed by all who knew him and loved him.

Frank was a man of many talents and hobbies. While in Hungary he worked his family farm with his father and brothers.  During his teenage years he worked at a textile factory and trained homing pigeons. He continued with this passion in America and successfully trained his pigeons to go as far as Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and won many races. He belonged to The Mohawk Valley Pigeon Racing Club. Undoubtedly, it was his kind and gentle demeanor that his birds loved about him, especially “Shorty.” Frank enjoyed listening and dancing to Polka music, he especially enjoyed Engelbert Humperdinck and Tom Jones. Frank was a loving husband and father; he was proud of his family and the life they created together. He cherished the time spent with his grandson Michael and great-grandson Gavin.

He is survived by his daughter, Cindy Kelly, née Borbely, and her husband, Michael Kelly, of Easton, Pennsylvania, son Frank Borbely, of Rome, grandson Michael Kelly, Jr., great-grandson Gavin James Kelly, sisters-in-law Mary Eggan and Pat Kerr, and many nieces, nephews and their families. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Carol Eggan, née Borbely, father Joseph Borbely, mother Theresa Borbely, née Horvath, brothers and sisters Mary, Joseph, Imre, Gabor, and Anna.

Family and Friends are invited to call on Friday, March 31, 2023, from 4:00pm-7:00pm at Strong-Burns and Sprock Funeral Home, 7751 Merrick Road, Rome, NY 13440. A funeral service will follow at 7:00pm with Father Robert Kelly officiating. Interment will take place at Rome Cemetery.