Frank Cornicelli, a longtime Schenectady Association official, dies at 98.
For more than a half-century, Frank Cornicelli was as recognized as most of the elite bowlers he used to watch.
Dubbed “the mayor of Schenectady” for his ambassador-like skills, Cornicelli was a presence at numerous bowling events, both locally and nationally. He was a friend to several PBA pros, including Parker Bohn III, Doug Kent, Ryan Shafer and Tommy Delutz, and he often received tickets from them for PBA telecasts. He was just as visible at local scratch tournaments, mingling with and cheering on the area bowlers.
We hadn’t seen Cornicelli much the past couple of years because of declining health, and Monday the bowling community got the word it didn’t want to hear. Cornicelli died Monday at age 98.
Everyone and anyone who met Frank was a friend. He greeted you with a handshake or a hug, then would regale you with stories accumulated from spending most of his adult life around bowling centers.
He was a 40-year officer in the Schenectady Bowling Association, in charge of inspecting lane conditions, and served two terms as its president. In 2018, he was elected into the New York State Hall of Fame for meritorious service. He also was in the SBA Hall of Fame, enshrined in 1995.
Cornicelli was an active bowler and golfer up until his health declined a few years ago. He was in the Nitemen’s Golf
League for 66 years, serving as secretary/treasurer for more than 50.
Bowling wouldn’t have survived without men like Frank donating their time and energy. Let’s hope he is an inspiration for generations to follow.
Local scene
Jessica Aiezza of Mechanicville and Scott Rogers of Rensselaer captured the over-50/under-50 doubles at Towne Academy, beating Steve Wagoner of Broadalbin and Ryan Shafer of Horseheads 455-385 in the final. The winners split $1,400 . ... Megan Valik was the winner in the Amateur League Bowlers Association of New York Tournament at Sportsman’s, rolling a 765 triple (with handicap) to beat Tom Catino of Colonie by 20 pins. Valik won $400. There were 60 entries.
Don Herrington of Ballston Lake made it to the semifinals of the PBA50 Fayetteville (N.C.) Open, losing to Dave Johnson of Ashtabula, Ohio. PBA Hall of Famer Walter Ray Williams Jr. (see below) won the South Region tournament, his 119th PBA title (including regional and PBA50 victories), worth $2,200 . ... The PBA East Region tour returns this weekend with the Airport Lanes Open in Cheektowaga. There is a PBA50 regional the following week at Crystal Lanes in Corning.
After opening with a 190, Bill Murauskas rolled back-to-back 300s for a 790 triple in the Hemstreet Park League at Hometown . ... The Troy USBC Association is moving forward on a city tournament, planned for late April and early May. The team event will be at Hilltop, and doubles and singles at Green Island. More details will be forthcoming.
National news
The PBA World Series of Bowling XII telecasts continue Tuesday night with the Chameleon Championship and conclude Wednesday night with the Scorpion Championship. Air time both nights is 8 p.m. on Fox Sports 1 . ... Walter Ray Williams Jr., the PBA’S all-time victory leader with 47, said his appearance in Wednesday’s Scorpion Championship will be his last on the regular tour. “I’ve had a good run out here, but I’m 61,” Williams told Flobowling. “I’m just not in my prime. I can still go halfway decent. I’ve got a better chance against the old guys on the senior tour.”