Francesco Giuseppe Allamena

Frank J. (Francesco Giuseppe) Allamena was born in 1901 in Antillo, Messina, Sicilia, Italy, the oldest of six children born to Frederico Mazzone (1880–1971) and Margherita Allamena (1880–1964). Starting in Albany, NY, with his wife, Johanna "Gennie" (nee Di Benedetti, parents: Frank and Mary Di Benedetti), Allamena became a church planter in New York state, and his disciples spread the church into various other parts of the USA (in West Albany, Mechanicville, Schenectady, and South Albany). They had five children, including Paul, Daniel, Ruth, Esther and Mary.

In 1919, Frank, himself only 19 at the time, planted the "Christian Apostolic Church" on Yardboro Avenue, West Albany. A city mission followed, in South Albany, and then a church plan on Franklin Street, Albany. This latter later moved to the corner of Madison and Quail Streets, Albany. The 1950s saw a significant migration to the suburbs. The Franklin Street Church congregation thus moved from South Albany to Pine Hills, adding English language worship services and planting a church in Cohoes. In 1967, Allamena purchased 20 acres of land at 31 Vry Road, Colonie, and commenced services in 'the Barn'. A church was later built on the site, which is still operating under the name of Capital Church, New York, as an affiliate of the Assemblies of God. (https://capitalchurchny.org/) It has pioneered a well known food pantry and outreach into the community.

Their son Daniel John Allamena (b. 13 Jan 1926- d. 5 Nov 1997, Albany, New York; m. Deborah J.; Served aboard USS Shields during WWII).

Their daughter Esther M. (m. Antonio Iatauro; died 10/9/1998).

Frank died, d. 27/8/1979, and was buried in Graceland Cemetery, Albany, NY.