Deacon Frank Ottaviano, 91, of Bedford, New Hampshire, entered eternal life peacefully on December 14, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Brooklyn to John and Maria (Blundo) Ottaviano, he was raised in Highland. In 1964, he married the love of his life, Margaret “Peggy” Angelo. They raised their family in Highland until moving to New Hampshire in 2014.

Frank was ordained a permanent deacon at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on February 11, 1978. A great man of faith, he served his parishes with great love and compassion, and dedicated himself to serving the community through various ministries, including prisons, hospitals, and recovery centers, while offeringupport to families and individuals in need. His generous heart and work have touched countless souls. A true inspiration to his family and all who knew and loved him.

He served St. Augustine parish in Highland for 36 years. He continued with his diaconate work in New Hampshire, where he most recently served St. Francis in Litchfield and Blessed Sacrament in Manchester.

Frank most recently resided at Bowman Place in Bedford, New Hampshire, where he was known as “The Mayor.” He knew everyone and was well-loved by staff and residents alike. He continued his vocation at Bowman, offering religious services to residents and consoling and helping those who were sick or suffering grief. His family would like to thank all of the residents and staff at Bowman who cared for and about him.

His great love was his family. His wife, children and grandchildren were the pride of his life. “Papa” to his grandchildren, will be remembered as the beautiful soul with a great heart, love of good Italian food, and lots of advice.

Frank was employed at IBM in Kingston and Poughkeepsie for over 35 years. He was an avid gardener, making any place he lived even more beautiful.

He is survived by his daughters, Elizabeth (Paul) Lapierre of Dalton, Massachusetts, Regina (Anthony Horton) Ottaviano of Bedford, New Hampshire, and Andrea (David) Cross of North Reading, Massachusetts, six grandchildren, Danielle, Isabelle, Grace, Sophia, Alyssa and Jeremy, several nieces and nephews and his beloved cat, Smudges. He is predeceased by his wife Peggy, his parents, his sisters Margaret, Rose, Jennie, Millie, and his twin sister Theresa, his brother George, and his niece Margaret Ann Ottaviano.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Catholic Charities of New Hampshire at www.cc-nh.org

A gathering for family and friends will take place on Monday, December 22, 4-7 p.m. at the Michael Torsone Memorial Funeral Home Inc., 38 Main St. Highland, NY 12528. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 23, 10:30 a.m. at St. Augustine Roman Catholic Church, 55 Main St. Highland, NY 12528. Burial will follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery, Poughkeepsie.