Olean- Louis (Lou) Anthony Frungillo, 76, of Olean, passed away Saturday (December 18, 2021) at the Olean General Hospital.
Born on July 10, 1945 in Olean, he was the son of Louis T. and Josephine M. DeCerbo Frungillo. On July 3rd, 1965 at St. John’s Church, in Olean, he married his only love and best friend, Dawn M. Johnson, who survives.
Lou was a graduate of Olean High School and received his associates degree in criminal justice from Alfred State.
Lou first started his flavorful working career at the age of 14 at the L’Alcove on North 4th Street in Olean, under the guidance of his dad, Whistling Lou Frungillo, Sr. By the age of 16, he became one of the cooks. Later that year, Lou went to New York City, and entered the culinary contest at the Pratt Culinary Institute and came in 3rd out of 1000 entries.
He later went to work at the Castle and became assistant manager of the newly opened L’Alcove on North Union Street. From there, he became General Manager of another Castle adventure, The Cameo Restaurant in Wellsville. During this time, he would also help out his lifelong friend, Billy Augostini at Augostini’s Restaurant. Lou finished his culinary career with 26 years as Food Service Director for Allegany and Cattaraugus County Schools. However, the joy of his retired life was cooking for his family.
He was the past President of the Olean Beagle Club, where he was instrumental in obtaining the running grounds for the club. Lou was also the past President and lifetime member of the Olean Rod & Gun Club, and an avid trap and skeet shooter.
Besides his wife, Lou is survived by two sons; Steven and partner (Rachel) Frungillo and Robert (Barbie) Frungillo of Olean; granddaughter, Amber (Nick) Mowery of Olean; his great-grandchildren, whom he adored, Nixon, Easton, and Weslyn Mowery; nieces, Lisa Keenan, Tami Rinehart, and nephew, Tom Linnan; a dear cousin, Joe (Lu) DeCerbo; and his good friend and neighbor, Mike Neal.
He was predeceased by his daughter, Amanda Marie, his parents and sister, Carmelita Linnan.
Friends will be received at the Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., 1303 E. State Street on Monday (December 27, 2021) from 4-7pm. Funeral services will follow at 7pm, with Rev. James Vacco, OFM, officiating. Private burial services will be at St. Bonaventure Cemetery, Allegany.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Cattaraugus County SPCA, 2944 Route 16, Olean.
If you would like to express a condolence or share a story about Lou, please visit, www.guentherfh.com.