Contributions to the tribute of Frank Cotropia

A

Alison (Sunny) Venuti posted a condolence

Thursday, January 9, 2025

Frank was an institution at the downtown Market and it will never be the same without him. We were across the aisle Market neighbors and had many long, heartfelt conversations over the years. People are still asking for him. Frank was generous to a fault, especially when the little ones were at his booth. He is greatly missed.

E

Ehren Stark posted a condolence

Saturday, January 4, 2025

If you were lucky enough to get to know Frank, you knew he was a dignified man with a heart of gold. He's surely resting in peace now. The Market will miss him, and so will we.

C

Carlie Fishgold uploaded photo(s)

Saturday, January 4, 2025

My dear friend, Frank. Big Frank. Nobody told stories like him. Frank treated my kids like bonus grandchildren, and he loved to tell them all about his granddaughters -- the loves of his life. He taught my daughter the value of a dollar. And, eventually, the value of a five ;) We've got a big Frank-shaped hole in our lives, and I knew it would come, but we always said 'love you.' Always found something to laugh about. Frank Cotropia lived life on his own terms, leaving an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to know him beyond his gruff exterior. Those in his inner circle knew a man of profound loyalty and unexpected tenderness. Though his views sometimes reflected the limitations of his era and upbringing, Frank's capacity for love transcended these boundaries. He was never averse to surprising even himself because he found delight in profound revelation. Those who experienced his devotion knew its rare intensity – a concentrated affection that could sustain them through life's harder moments. He was generous. A true free thinker. An original hippie to the end. Frank was a proud witness to some of the greatest American cultural moments in San Francisco and New York. He was a storyteller who impressed the very spirits of the stories themselves. Frank understood the fleeting nature of life with intimate clarity, expressing his care through quiet acts of kindness that often went unnoticed. His legacy lives on in the stories he shared, the lives he touched, and the hearts he changed, proving that even complicated souls still have big hearts and can leave the world better than they found it. I know he rests in peace today, and he's dearly missed by the many.

E

Elaine Francesco uploaded photo(s)

Wednesday, January 1, 2025

Whether you thought of him as “Grumpy Frank” (really, a softy), the Banana Guy, or The Mushroom Man, Frank Cotropia was a fixture at the Rochester Public Market for well over 30 years. Every greeting got the same reply: “Hi, how are ya.” Summer and winter, Frank had the best bananas and mushrooms. His Mushroom Man title solidified a few years back, when he converted to selling 9 or so varieties of exotic mushrooms, delighting vegans and chefs alike. Serious health issues forced him to give up his Market stands a couple of years ago. He has been, and will be missed, truly a character of the Public Market. - Elaine The Coffee Lady, & Market neighbor for many years (Photo, Frank, his daughter & SIL, & grands. 2016)

E

Elayne Stewart uploaded photo(s)

Tuesday, December 31, 2024

On Monday December 16, I lost an amazing man, Frank Cotropia. He was a good hearted soul with a gruff exterior but a huge heart. He was a good friend and a teddy bear if you had the opportunity to get inside his hard shell. He was family. I have known him for over 30 years and I worked with him for many years. Faye and he were together for a long time. My kids felt like he was like their grandfather. I was often introduced as his daughter in law because it was easier than explaining how we were “related”. He worked at the public market for so many years and was the mushroom man for at least the last 15 of them. He was a constant in the winter-shed. I miss him terribly but know that he is still watching over us. I am thankful for having the opportunity to have had Frank as a part of my life!

J

Joe Piccarreto Posted Jan 2, 2025 at 9:17 AM

Dearest Frank, thankfully you are in no pain and with friends and family. Great friends growing up and playing baseball together, from little league through high school. Frank was a pitcher and loved to strike you out. He was a great baseball player and was always a dear friend. Rest in peace Frank and know that as always you remain in our thoughts and prayers.

Report

a

The family of Frank Cotropia uploaded a photo

Monday, December 30, 2024

Frank Cotropia

1947 - 2024

View Our Events

Contact

Explore

Question?