Frank J. Lalla, a former police officer and firefighter of the City of Rye, died peacefully at his home in Leesburg, Fla., surrounded by his family on September 24, 2022. He was 83.
Born in Port Chester, N.Y. on November 8, 1938, he was the son of Frank M. and Beatrice (Sabato) Lalla.
After high school, he joined the United States Navy, serving from 1955 to 1959. A very determined and hardworking individual, Mr. Lalla worked many jobs in his lifetime, but he was proudest of the 32 years he spent with the City of Rye, first as a police officer and then as a professional firefighter.
On October 30, 1960, he married his sweetheart, Alice Bitter.
After he retired in 1993, Frank and Alice moved to Hillsdale, N.Y., where they built a log home and spent summers. They eventually began wintering in Leesburg.
Wherever they were, the Lalla’s had no shortage of friends. They traveled by motorhome to 48 states and made many friends along the way.
Mr. Lalla will be remembered by his family for being a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. They are grateful for the numerous skills he taught them, his amazing stories, and the rich friendships he made throughout his life. He had a story for each one that his family heard many times.
“His many mannerisms will stick with us,” said his family. “Whether it was knocking on your car windshield with his ring finger to remind you that your inspection was about to expire, his smile and wave when leaving, or his singing of ‘You are My Sunshine’.”
Frank Lalla is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Alice; his daughter Linda and her husband Thomas Close and his son Michael and his husband Rodney; and his grandsons Kevin (Laura) and Brian and granddaughter Mariana. He was predeceased by his brother, Bartholomew Lalla.
Services will be held at a later date. Contributions in Frank Lalla’s memory may be made to Habitat for Humanity.
