EAST HERKIMER-Francis Daniel Cristiano age 67 of Folts Road passed away peacefully on Saturday morning January 17, 2009 in his home after an extended illness. He had the comfort of his loving family at his side. He was born on February 1, 1941 in Utica, son of the late Francis and Mary Ciallelo Cristiano. A lifelong Herkimer resident, he was a graduate of Herkimer High School class of 1958. Upon completing high school Fran enlisted in the US Army. He served during the Vietnam War era and was honorably discharged in 1962. On June 10, 1961 he was united in marriage with the former Dolores Meyer in El Paso, TX. They have made their home in East Herkimer since that time. For nineteen years he worked as an engineer for the General Electric Company in Utica and later owned and operated his TV repair business in Herkimer. Mr. Cristiano was an accomplished musician. Music was his whole life. For many years he played the accordion and keyboard with his own bands, the Aces of Rhythm and Fanfare. He also played the piano for Saint Anthonys Church, Herkimer and was the organist for the Herkimer Elks Lodge. He was a member of Herkimer Elks Lodge # 1439, the Jaycees and the Herkimer Council # 579 Knights of Columbus. Fran will always be remembered for his warm and good natured personality. He was always there to help when needed. He was a friend to many and will be greatly missed, especially by his family and cherished grandchildren and great grand daughter. Surviving besides his devoted wife of forty-eight years Dolores are one son John Cristiano of Charlotte, NC two daughters and their husbands, Kathy and John Cloutier of Ilion, Marie and Randy Kast of East Herkimer, a brother Peter and his wife Chris of Lansing KA, one sister Joyce Cristiano of Herkimer, four grandchildren, John Cloutier of Ilion, Jeremy Cloutier of Herkimer, Richard and Jessica Kast both of Herkimer, one great granddaughter, Edith Cloutier, two nieces, Elizabeth and Katie Cristiano along with several cousins, aunts and uncles. The family will be present in Fenner Funeral Home Inc., 115 Court Street; Herkimer to receive relatives and friends on Tuesday from 4:00 until 7:00 pm. Expressions of sympathy may be made with memorial donations to the Herkimer County Meals on Wheels Program or Hospice Palliative Care. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Members of the Herkimer Council # 579 Knights of Columbus are asked to meet at the funeral home at 6:30 pm on Tuesday for their service. Members of Herkimer Elks Lodge # 1439 are asked to meet at the funeral home on Tuesday at 7:00 pm for ritualistic services.