Frances Bambara

Frances Bambara, 96, of Seaford, NY, passed away peacefully on September 10, 2026. Born on March 24, 1930, in Brooklyn, NY, Frances lived a long and beautiful life centered around family, faith, friendship, and love. She was preceded in death by her parents, John, and Mary Pinnero; her husband, Joseph LaRosa; and her younger brother, John “Johnny” Pinnero, who passed away earlier this year. Frances was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She was outgoing and loved to laugh, dance, and simply be around people. She had a special way of making everyone around her feel welcomed and cared for. She treasured the relationships she built throughout her life and brought her warmth, humor, and quick wit wherever she went.

Frances enjoyed staying active and involved in her community. Her many interests included playing Mahjong and participating in prayer shawl ministry at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. She was also an avid member of several senior centers over the years, including Brady Park in Massapequa and, most recently, the senior center at The Church of St. Jude in Wantagh, which became a special part of the final years of her life.

She was also an incredible cook and made everything with love. For Frances, food was another way of bringing people together, and some of the most cherished memories of her will always be those shared around the table with family and friends.

Above all, Frances loved her family. She is survived by her sister, Catherine Petillo, 98; her children, Stephen and his wife, Patricia; Susan and her husband, Vincent; and Joseph and his partner, Denita; her grandchildren, Matthew and his wife, Melissa; Amanda and her fiancé, Richard; Erica; James; and Tyler; and her great-grand pups, Layla and Niko. She also leaves behind extended family and friends who made her life even more beautiful, just as she made their lives brighter by being a part of it.

Frances will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who were blessed to know her. Her warmth, laughter, and love will live on in the family and friends who loved her so dearly.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 15, from 2:00–4:00 PM and 7:00–9:00 PM.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 16, at 9:30 AM at St. William the Abbot R.C. Church in Seaford, NY.

Interment will follow at St. Charles Cemetery in Farmingdale, NY.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Frances’s memory are invited to donate to a cause or charity of their choice.