Obituary of Francis W. Gencorelli

FRANCIS W. GENCORELLI

March 2, 1937 - June 27, 2023

Francis W. Gencorelli, 86, architect and longtime resident of Merrick, NY, passed away on June 27, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his beloved wife Josephine of 59 years, his adoring daughters, Caterina and Margherita, son-in-law Peter Yoder, and cherished grandson, Joshua Yoder.

Francis, the ninth of twelve siblings, was predeceased by his loving brothers and sisters: Gladys, Rosemary (Angelo), June (Herman), Genaro (Lorraine), Henry, Bennet, Bernice (Albert), and Theresa. He is survived by his loving sisters Alyce, Helen (William), and Doreen (Edward), sister-in-law Josephine (Bennet), and many nephews, nieces, and godchildren.

Francis was born and raised in Rosedale, NY by Jerry and Theresa Gencorelli. After attending Brooklyn Technical High School, he went on to Virginia Polytechnic Institute (VPI), where he received a Bachelor of Architecture. While at VPI, he received the Paris Prize in Architecture which allowed him to further his studies at Yale University, where he earned a Master in Architecture. After completing his advanced degree, he went to work for LaPierre, Litchfield and Partners in NYC, and then worked with prominent architect Edward W. Slater. Always the entrepreneur, Francis opened his own practice, Gencorelli & Salo, Architects, P.C. and was in business for over 50 years. The firm specialized in the design and construction of banks, schools, manufacturing and research facilities, offices, condominiums, and hotels. Francis was a firm believer in keeping a building's aesthetics consistent with its surrounding areas, such as in his design in the 1970's of the then Long Island Savings Bank in the Merrick Gables community. Among other notable works are the Guerlain, Inc. offices and distribution center in Somers, NY and the Long Island Marriott Hotel in Uniondale, NY. Francis was a proud member and past president of Kiwanis, the Mental Health Association, the American Institute of Architects (AIA), and the National Institute for Architectural Education (NIAE).

Francis often worked six days a week during his career, but he always made time for family on Sundays by preparing an incredible meal that included fresh vegetables from his garden. For many summers he would rent a Winnebago and take the family camping throughout the east coast. Later in life, the family enjoyed trips to his favorite Caribbean island, Bermuda, as well as a trip back to his ancestral home of Acri, Italy. An avid gardener, chef, nature lover, Mets fan, and cigar aficionado, Francis will be remembered for his wisdom, great sense of humor, and devotion to his family.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate that those who wish to express sympathy consider making a donation in Francis's name to one of the following scholarship programs:

Brooklyn Technical High School - Centennial Fund: https://connect.bthsalumni.org/donation-2.0

Virginia Polytechnic Institute - Beyond Boundaries Scholarship: https://apps.es.vt.edu/onlinegiving/gift

Yale University - School of Architecture: Dean's Endowment Scholarship Fund https://secure.yale.imodules.com/s/1667/52/cart/form.aspx?sid=1667&gid=52&pgid=5594&cid=14277&bledit=1&dids=69.&_ga=2.110360007.377172110.1665586561-1461308721.1658759941&appealcode=ACWB

Burial will be private and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date for those who would like to come together and remember Francis.

"Those we love don't go away, they walk besides us everyday. Unseen, unheard, but always near, so loved, so missed, so very dear."