Frank P. Lucafo

Visitation

Mar 27, 2022 to Mar 28, 2022

Biography

Mr. Frank P. Lucafo, age 81, died peacefully on March 19, 2022 in the comfort and care of his own home, surrounded by his family and by the prayers of many, both near and far. Frank was born in Chicago on August 13, 1940 to Rocco and Domenica (nee Chiechi) Lucafo, both of whom immigrated to America from the province of Bari, Italy. Together they raised five children in the old neighborhood near Grand & Ogden, all of whom became lifelong fans of the Chicago Cubs and D'Amato's Bakery. His older brothers, Leonard and Louis, preceded him in death, but their enthusiasm for camo gear and outdoor sporting activities lived on for many years as those interests were also those of Frank - who is now survived by his sisters, Stella and Carmela - with whom he shared his faith in Jesus Christ, along with his fondness for family gatherings, holidays, feasts, and sweets. In 1968, he received his Honorable Discharge from the Armed Forces of the United States of America after proudly serving in the Army, where he was stationed in Poitiers, France. Although he never saw combat on the battlefield, he always held the utmost respect for those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Frank was a Veteran who always kept his Oath. After his return to the States, the fresh Italian accent (amongst other things) of Loretta Tomassini caught his attention while they were working at The National Security Bank of Chicago. After a brief courtship, Frank said he made one of the best decisions of his life and proposed to her. In May of 1969, they were united in Holy Matrimony, and Loretta faithfully, tirelessly, and heroically fulfilled her sacred vows of loving, honoring, and caring for him - in sickness and in health - until he drew his very last breath. The longest chapter of Frank's life spanned over five decades. He was just as comfortable in an Armani suit as in his old Army fatigues - which were cherished for years as his weekend warrior gear. There was always something to do at Arnold Court, and he loved teaching kids (his own & those in the neighborhood) the importance of growing your own vegetables. Backyard gardening was his great escape. He took much pride in painting, fixing, building, repairing (as best he knew how), and when he needed help - he knew who to ask and when. As the son (and son-in-law) of parents who were very practical, he had an affinity for saving glass jars and sturdy boxes - because, it's a good box. He wisely taught the importance of extension cords, empty prescription bottles, rubber bands, paint sticks, duct tape, and random pieces of lumber - because you never know when you're going to need it. When the role of Grandfather was added to his life, that blessing of answered prayers brought him even more joy than when the Cubs won the World Series. Frank is survived by his beloved and devoted wife Loretta; daughter Lisa (Antonio "Tony" D'Ambrosio), son Anthony (Meghan Pipolo); grandson Leo, granddaughter Rosemary, and by his numerous nieces & nephews, innumerable cousins (in America & in Italy), several Godchildren, two brothers-in-law, and the many friends of "Frank from the Bank." Visitation Sunday, March 27, 2022, at The Oaks Funeral Home 1201 E. Irving Park Road (at Prospect) Itasca - from 2:00 to 8:00 PM. Visitation also Monday, March 28th at St. John Cantius Church at 9:00 AM, prior to Mass Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM to be offered at St. John Cantius, 825 N. Carpenter St., Chicago Procession from Church to Cemetery; Color Guard service at Chapel provided by the V.A. Interment at Queen of Heaven, Hillside, to follow In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canons Regular of Saint John Cantius are appreciated www.canons-regular.org/giving