Frank J. Danisi

Frank was born in Brooklyn, New York on December 10, 1922. He was one of nine children born to Tomasso and Filomina Danisi who immigrated to the United States from Bari, Italy in the early 1900’s. Frank is preceded in death by his parents and eight siblings, Michael, Jack, Willie, Joe, Mary, Concetta, Jimmy and Sandy. Although Frank never married, he was a devoted uncle and enjoyed spending time with his siblings’ children. He was beloved and will be dearly missed by his nieces and nephews: Louise Laddy, Joy Anderson, Phyllis Ogelby (Sam), Phyllis Giasson (Chuck), Linda Prautzsch, Diane Stachowski (Steve), Lucy Barnett (Nick), Phyllis Janowski (Brad), Flora Danisi (Eric), Sandi Cerami, Vincent Danisi (Linda), John Danisi (Carolyn), Thomas Danisi (Jeannie) and Sal Romano (Debbie). Frank also leaves behind twenty-four great nieces and nephews, and twenty-two great-great nieces and nephews.

Frank was born at home on Park Avenue, Brooklyn, NY. After seven of his siblings married and moved away, Frank moved to Queens, NY with his parents and brother, Mike. After his parents passed, he and Mike moved to New Jersey to be near his brother, Sandy and his family. In 2004, Frank and Mike moved to Naples, FL, living a few doors down from his sister, Concetta and niece, Lucy Barnett. In 2017, he moved to The Bridges Assisted Living Facility in Riverview, FL where he enjoyed spending time with his niece, Phyllis Ogelby, her husband, Sam, and her children and grandchildren. Frank lived at The Bridges for almost five years, and enjoyed participating in many activities such as Bingo, Pokeno, Chair Dancing and Wii Bowling. Frank also enjoyed hosting Sunday dinners at The Bridges for the many family and friends who came to visit him (Pre Covid). For The Bridges 2019 movie-themed calendar, Frank was a very handsome James Bond. He was dearly loved by the staff and residents at The Bridges for his congenial and helpful personality. Said one staff member, “We all loved Frank, and he will always be our James Bond!” It was a blessing that Frank was able to spend his last days in his own apartment at The Bridges.

Frank graduated from Central Commercial High School in NYC in 1941. Due to World War II, he was drafted into the army in February 1943. He was assigned to the 133rd Infantry Regiment, 34th Division and was sent to Italy as part of the Italian Campaign where his Division participated in the Battle of Anzio. Frank was wounded in battle on July 11, 1944. After recovering from his wounds, Frank spent the rest of his Army career in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations in North Africa. Frank rarely shared details about his time in combat, but he did indicate to family that he had the best time of his life while in Casablanca and Tunisia. Frank’s Military Decorations and Commendations include Purple Heart, European African Middle Eastern Service Medal, American Service Medal, and World War II Victory Medal. He received an Honorable Discharge from the Army in December 1945.

While stationed in Casablanca and Tunisia, Frank trained as a Laboratory Dental Technician. During this time, he learned the skills that would lead to his life-long career working at the VA Hospital in Fort Hamilton, Brooklyn, NY making dentures, castings, inlays and bridges.

Frank had a true love for swimming and diving and went to the beach and the YMCA regularly throughout his life. While living in Naples, FL for 12 years, he swam every day in his community pool up until he was 94. Frank was a true family man and enjoyed visiting and vacationing with his siblings and their children. Photography was another one of Frank’s passions, and he was always there with his Argus 35 mm camera taking pictures documenting holidays and all family special occasions as well as the road trips he took to Florida with his best friend, Pete DeLucie. He also collected old family photos, and as a result, he has left a treasure trove of family memories.

Frank’s funeral service will be held on March 7, 2022 at Hodges Funeral Home at Naples Memorial Gardens, 525 111th Ave N, Naples, FL 34108 with Visitation from 10:00 – 11:30 am. A Funeral Mass will follow at 12:00 noon at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 625 111th Avenue N. The Mass will be live streamed and can also be accessed anytime through the church website: saintjohntheevangelist.com. Interment at Naples Memorial Gardens immediately following the Mass.