Brockport lost a bit of its living history on September 30 with the death of Frank Sacheli. Frank, who celebrated his 100th birthday in May, died a week after the passing of his longtime companion, Antoinette Ercolano.
Frank’s most notable contribution to Brockport’s history was his leadership of the group that defeated the urban renewal plan that would have destroyed our commercial district. The plan called for the demolition of 106 commercial structures and 75 dwellings, including the finest Victorian streetscape in the Rochester area.
As mayoral candidate, Frank and two running mates were denied listing on the 1965 Village election ballots for technical reasons. They then ran as write-in candidates. All three were elected, with Frank out-voting the incumbent, 491-431. They soon scuttled the urban renewal plan.
Frank was also a very loyal alum of the college. He had graduated in 1945 after two years of service in the Marine Corps. He served as president of the Alumni Association for two years and on the Town of Sweden Board of Assessment Review for many years.
He also figured in Brockport’s history as the owner of the Landmark Hotel on Main Street at the canal for about a decade after his college graduation. It was the favorite hangout of the college students at the time.
Frank will be missed by all who knew him and Brockport has suffered a great loss.
Bill Andrews
Brockport Village Historian
