Frank N. Cucchiara

Frank N. Cucchiara, 79, of Raytown, MO passed away May 15, 2021. Funeral Mass held 10am at St. Bernadette's Catholic Church, 9020 E. 51st Terr., Kansas City, MO 64133. Inurnment to follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Thank you, St. Bernadette Parishioners for being Frank’s faith family for the past eighteen years. A case manager called the parish in 2003 to inform us of a group home client, Frank Cucchiara, a Catholic who wanted to attend Mass. Initially the Pellerito family (former parishioners) took on the mission and through the fidelity of a then active *Renew group, a different person brought Frank to Mass at St. Bernadette each week. *Renew Group: Jerry and Donna Licktieg; Pat and Sara Lynch; +Danny and Mary Maddock; Dick and Sue Riegel

Frank graduated from DeLaSalle High School and attended Rockhurst College. He worked with his parents in the family grocery store in the earlier years and as an advertising salesman with Independence newspaper later in life. Frank had a keen memory and call to detail on various subjects. We knew Frank as a faith filled quiet man who prayed the rosary and apologized if he did not have something to place in the collection basket.

Frank enjoyed social activities after Mass, but was always ready to get back ‘home’. We are grateful for the personalized care at the various facilities where Frank made his home. The Oaks, Bridgewood Health Care, Four Seasons in Sedalia, and Edgewood Manor, Raytown.

The only thing Frank ever asked for was a St. Bernadette calendar to hang in his room, but he did enjoy stopping for a coke, attending Royal’s games, smoking a pipe, and Little Debbie’s, white cake was his favorite.

Over the years the Renew group experienced a reduction in their membership through the death of Danny Maddock and relocation of Pat and Sara Lynch as well as Jerry and Donna Licktieg. St. Bernadette parishioners and organizations saw to it that clothing items could be purchased. Radios and TV’s were provided so Frank could stay connected to the KC Royals and KC Chiefs, though the Royals were his favorite. Frank was transferred (2019) to Sedalia following hip surgery; a few road trips were taken and when Frank returned to Kansas City (during the pandemic), Dick continued to pay a visit ‘through the glass’ (with treats in tow). Parishioners continued their prayers. Frank knew he was not forgotten.

Many thanks to parishioners and friends who donated monies for Frank’s burial, grave marker and miscellaneous expenses. We are also grateful for the kindness shown by McGilley & Sheil and Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Sr. and Marguerite and brother, Mel.