Frank Bucherati, age 81, beloved husband of Leslie (Yule) Bucherati of Seymour, died peacefully on September 14, 2026, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his family. Born on February 2, 1945, in Queens, NY, he was the son of the late Anthony Joseph and Anna (Scappatore) Bucherati.
Frank was raised in Queens, NY spending his childhood with many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was a graduate of Bayside High School. Following graduation, he matriculated into St. John’s University studying for 2 years before serving as a SP5 in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He was deployed to Heidelberg, Germany after which he was honorably discharged in 1967.
Following his military service, he continued his education earning a bachelor’s degree from St. John’s University and a master’s degree from the University of New Haven. Mr. Bucherati worked as a Special Agent and Criminal Investigator for the Internal Revenue Service for 25 years, until his retirement in 1995.
Together with his bride, Leslie, they resided in Queens, then Long Island, until a government transfer to the Bridgeport, CT Field Office in 1971 brought them to CT, settling first in Milford. In 1972 they purchased their home in Seymour, where they have since resided and raised their family.
He was an active father, coaching sports teams and supporting his children in their every endeavor. He was their self-appointed chauffeur and bus stop monitor, ensuring their safe transportation to various activities on any given day or evening. As his family grew, he continued to dutifully drive his grandchildren and ensure their safe return home. Mr. Bucherati enjoyed the shooting sports and was an advocate for firearms safety and responsible ownership.
A lover of the beach, he enjoyed time in Florida, a cold diet coke, and kept current on national & world events on Fox News (45/47).
Mr. Bucherati was especially proud of his work with the Valley Street Crime Unit as a money laundering and asset forfeiture expert.
In his senior years, Mr. Bucherati liked jaunts to the Mohegan Sun and spent a lot of his free time woodworking. He was especially proud of his custom signs and furniture that he created which are proudly displayed his home and the homes of his children.
He was happiest and most fulfilled when surrounded by his family, (including their canine companions, especially his chair mate dachshund, Neutron). He never sought attention for himself, instead he quietly provided a blanket of love and solace to those around him – a warmth and kindness that will remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
In addition to his spouse of 56 years, he is survived by his devoted children, John A. Bucherati and his wife Carla, of Shelton, Jennifer A. Dauphinais-Hannon and her husband, John Hannon of Seymour, and Anthony J. Bucherati of Seymour; a sister, Christina Chizzoniti and her husband, Robert of LI, NY; sister-in-law Carolyn Haag and her husband Floyd of Texas; cherished grandchildren, Samantha Bucherati of FL, Megan and Morgan Bucherati, both of Shelton, Taylor and Peyton “PJ” Dauphinais, both of Seymour, Jackson Hannon of Seymour and Payton Hannon of TX; cherished great-grandchildren, Alexander and Theodore Bucherati of FL; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be private. The Wakelee Memorial Funeral Home, 167 Wakelee Avenue, Ansonia, is in care of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.wakeleememorial.com.