Obituary of Casey N. Frankoski

Rensselaer-Casey Frankoski (28) tragically lost her life on March 8, 2024 in a helicopter accident while she was honorably serving our country.  She was born in Albany, NY on April 11, 1995 and raised in East Greenbush, before moving to Rensselaer. Casey is the beloved daughter of James and Jill (Nardacci) Frankoski. 

Known for her infectious smile, Casey lit up every room she entered.  She was fun, determined, loving, and empathetic.  Casey was genuine; she was a hero.  

Casey was dedicated to serving the United States.  She enlisted in the Army National Guard in October 2016, was appointed Chief Warrant Officer in 2019, and was promoted to Chief Warrant Officer 2 in 2021.  Casey bravely trained to become a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter pilot. In November 2018, Casey was deployed to Kuwait where she courageously served until September 2019, with Detachment 5, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 245th Aviation Regiment as a Mission Planner.   After returning home for a short time, Casey went to Alabama first for Warrant Officer school, graduating in November 2019, and then for flight school and graduated in July 2021.  Casey was deployed again as a pilot to Texas with the Detachment 2, Company A, 1st Battalion, 224 Aviation Regiment to patrol the United States - Mexico border on October 11, 2023. While proudly serving in the United States Army National Guard Casey received many honors including the: Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Service Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Basic Aviator Badge, and the Basic Aviation Badge. At home, Casey was previously a volunteer firefighter at the Best Luther Fire Department, a member of the Environmental Conservation Corp., and a current member of the American Legion Gerald O’Neil Post 1683.

Prior to enlisting in the Army, Casey graduated from Columbia High School in 2013.  While at Columbia she was a member of the Varsity Bowling team. Casey continued her education at Schenectady County Community College and graduated with an associate degree in social science. Here, she was a member of the National Junior College Championship bowling team.  At the time of her passing, Casey was in her final class to complete her bachelor’s degree in emergency management at Excelsior College.  

Growing up, Casey was a Girl Scout for 13 years and enjoyed attending Camp Little Notch, where her love for the outdoors began.  Just recently Casey toured South Texas Girl Scout Troop 1050 around the Army Hangar and taught them about aviation and aeromechanics.  She was a cheerleader for East Greenbush Pop Warner, played softball for the East Greenbush Girls Softball League, and was committed to a travel bowling league where she practiced or competed 5-6 days each week.  As a teen Casey worked as a counselor at the East Greenbush Town Park Camp. 

Casey had a great appreciation for the outdoors and loved spending time fishing with her boyfriend Anthony.  Casey’s life is marked with fond memories from growing up at Alpine Lake; she went to camp as often as she could.  There, she enjoyed playing cornhole, spending time with her camp family, and most of all, riding her jetski. Having a strong desire for adventure led Casey to want to see the world. In addition to traveling with family and friends, she attended World Youth Day three times: in 2011 she traveled to Madrid, Spain and saw Pope Benedict XVI, in 2013 to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and saw Pope Francis, and in 2016 to Krakow, Poland and saw Pope Francis for the second time.  This past summer, Casey was fortunate to travel with her family to Alaska; she treasured this time spent together.If Casey wasn’t spending time with her loved ones, enjoying the outdoors, or traveling, she was probably at a concert.  Casey was a concert junkie! She loved country music and one way or another, she always made her way to the VIP area or the pit. 

In addition to her parents, Casey is survived by her grandfather: Raymond Frankoski, brothers Jesse (Reigan) Frankoski and Tyler Trembly and her sisters in law, Lindsey and Autumn. She was adored by her nieces and nephews: Stella, Peyton, Xylas, and Charlotte Trembly and Mia and Finnley Frankoski and loved by her soulmate Anthony DeGregorio. Casey also cherished being Mia’s Godmother.  Additional survivors include aunts and uncles:  Lisa Frankoski, Theodore Nardacci Jr., Fred (Elaine) Nardacci, Anthony (Diane) Nardacci, Joanne (John) Nolette, Roseann (Robert) Brown and many cousins, loved ones, and friends who were like family. Casey was predeceased by grandparents Mary Kay Frankoski and Theodore and Rose Marie Nardacci. Casey also leaves behind her three cats: Lulu, Millie, and Juju.Casey touched numerous lives and inspired many.  Her impact is beyond measure, and she will be sorely missed. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at The Parish of St. John the Evangelist and St. Joseph Church, located at 54 Herrick Street, Rensselaer at 11:00am on Friday, March 22, 2024.  Calling hours will be held the day prior, Thursday, March 21, 2024, from 12-5pm at the church. All are welcome to attend. Interment will be held in the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, immediately following the mass. 

For those unable to attend the funeral Mass, live streaming will be available at  https://www.youtube.com/@StJohntheEvangelistandStJoseph/streams

The family strongly encourages in lieu of flowers, contributions be made in Casey's memory to the Casey Frankoski Memorial Scholarship Fund via Venmo or Paypal.  

Venmo: @CaseyFrankoski-MemorialScholar PayPal: @CaseyFMSF. You may also stop at any Broadview branch or mail checks to 4 Winners Circle, Albany, NY 12205.