Francis DeLisa

Francis “Frank” Thomas DeLisa, 89, of Newington, loving husband for 63 years to Rose (DeNovellis) DeLisa, peacefully passed away Friday, September 20, 2024 with his family by his side. Frank was born June 28, 1935 in Hartford, one of two sons to the late Thomas and Evelyn (Fillmore) DeLisa. Frank was raised in Hartford and attended Hartford schools, graduating from Bulkeley High School, Class of 1953. He proudly served our country in the U.S. Army from 1958-1960, continuing his service for many years in the Reserves.

Frank began his work career June 1, 1953, in the mailroom of the Connecticut State Police. As a result of his strong work ethic and dedication, Frank was promoted into the Identification Bureau, where he ultimately was promoted to Supervisor, retiring in 1994. Over the years, his skill with fingerprint identification helped solve many cases, and he received many commendations from police departments and several Governors. A kind, gentle, giving soul, Frank had a passion for giving, volunteering for many years at Hartford Hospital. He was always the first to lend a helping hand, whether it was going grocery shopping for his elderly family members and friends, or offering his time in any capacity to all who asked. Frank bowled in a duck pin league and was an avid golfer, hitting the links three or four times a week in his younger years. He was a huge fan of the New York Yankees and a music lover, in particular Frank Sinatra. He had an extensive collection of Sinatra albums and memorabilia. He and Rose enjoyed traveling, especially their yearly trips to Maine, which was their favorite place. Frank was also a longtime, faithful communicant of the Church of the Holy Spirit in Newington since 1965, where he served as an usher. More than anything, however, he cherished the time he got to spend with family and friends.

Along with his wife Rose, Frank will be deeply missed and forever in the hearts of his adored extended family: ten nieces and nephews, Kathy Bartus (Richard), Kristen Paradise (Joseph), Tanya Whaley, Wayne Cappellucci, Terry Antonucci (Phil), Rob Cappellucci (Tracey), Craig DeNovellis (fiancée Jackie Matos), Tina Pitruzzello (Gregory), Bryan DeNovellis (Cathy) and Justin DeNovellis; a special godchild, Terri Ferraguto (Phil); many great-nieces and great-nephews and his brother-in-law and two sisters-in-law, Mario DeNovellis (Donna) and Jean DeNovellis. In addition to his parents, Frank was predeceased by his brother and sister-in-law, Peter F. and Mary Jane DeLisa; his sister-in-law and two brothers-in-law, Lucia and Antonio Cappellucci, and V. Anthony DeNovellis and his nephew, Marc DeNovellis. Frank’s family would like to thank the wonderful staff of Jefferson House, especially Lily and Thanh, for the care and compassion shown to Frank during his stay.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 25 at 11 a.m. in Holy Spirit Church of Annunciation Parish, 183 Church St., Newington. Everyone is asked to please go directly to the church. Interment will follow the Mass in Cedar Hill Cemetery, (Section 12), Hartford. In lieu of flowers, donations in Frank’s memory may be made to Little Sisters of the Poor, 1365 Enfield Street, Enfield, CT 06082-4925 (online at https://littlesistersofthepoorconnecticut.org) To share a memory of Frank, please visit www.desopofuneralchapel.com