Obituary of Francis Carlino

Francis P. Carlino passed away Monday September 22, 2008 in Lockport Memorial Hospital.� Born June 15, 1920, in Chicago, Il., he was the son of the late Lorenzo and Marietta Ortolani Carlino.� A graduate of Lafayette High School, Mr. Carlino served in the U.S. Army Air Force it World War II as a tail gunner in B-24 bombers with the 376th Bomb Wing in the European Theatre. He completed 44 missions before being seriously wounded in a raid over the German-held Ploesti oil fields. He was awarded the Purple Heart and several other military decorations. Upon return to civilian life, he opened the Allen Book and Card Shop in Buffalo and attended the University of Buffalo as a psychology major. Later, working in the defense industry, he was employed by Moog, Inc. of East Aurora as a precision assembler where he did final assembly on critical components for military hardware and the rocket engines for the Saturn V Apollo moon landing program. Before his retirement in 1985, his reverence for nature prompted him to found Tree Life Nursery in Lockport, a business he retired from in 2003.� An enthusiast for classical music, Mr. Carlino developed an extensive collection of recorded masterpieces and greatly enjoyed sharing his love with his spouse and children.� He is predeceased by his wife, Norma R. Masino Carlino, who passed away October 23, 2007. � Mr. Carlino is survived by his children Lawrence M., Paul C. (Constance) and Jean C. Carlino all of Lockport.� Grandfather of Elizabeth, Michelle, Michael and Peter Carlino; brother of Marie Fitsos of Washington, Lydia Thompson of California and the later Anthony Carlino, Elvera Mead, Lucille Hood and Ann Hood.� He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. � Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.� Interment will be in Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Lockport.