Frank De Maio

Frank served in WWII US ARMY, 106th combat division, Battle of the Bulge. He received his high school diploma while attending boot camp. After WWII, Frank used his prior experiences with auto body skills to advance from a mechanic and auto body specialist to co-owner of Bay Royal Nissan in Brooklyn, NY. He gained the reputation as the man with “Hands of Gold” for his skill in auto body. He practically new every car owner in Brooklyn and beyond.

After retiring, due to his notoriety as the quintessential handyman, Frank focused on building kitchens, fixing every possible appliance known to mankind and constructing home additions for family and friends. Sometimes he spent an entire day just fixing an old toaster! His cooking skills were known far and wide, especially his famous Eggplant Rollatini and decadent Shrimp Scampi.

But most importantly, he was a role model for all of his children and grandchildren, son and daughter-in-laws and everyone whose lives were touched by him. Frank’s infectious spirit made strangers friends and friends family. His children learned the importance of a strong work ethic from him, as well as reaching for goals throughout their lives, even when obstacles stood in the way. Frank was a loving husband, incredible father and grandfather, and a gift to all who loved him. We feel so fortunate to have had this unbelievable human being, Frank DeMaio, in our lives. We will truly miss him.

Frank is survived by his wife of 40 years, Vivian De Maio; his daughter Rosemary Reichard (Todd); his daughter Denise Norkus (Charles); his son Michael De Maio (Emilia); his daughter Penny Matte (Tim); his son Neal De Maio (Leidy); his daughter Suzanne Golden (Ed); his son John Flannigan (Stephanie); and his daughter Kathy Drury (Chris). and his sister Filomena Solino.

Grandchildren, Mariah Campbell, Brielle Rocklein (Brett Rocklein), Malea Matte, Anthony Corigliano (Joanna), Madison De Maio, Francesca Argente, Michael Argente, Angelina De Maio, Kaylie Flannigan, Amelia Flannigan, AJ Flannigan, Brendan Golden, Kate Golden, Sean Golden,Great Grandchildren, Isabella (Bella) Rocklein, Emery Rocklein. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews and great-great-nieces and nephews.

Frank was preceded in death by his father Aniello De Maio and his mother Rosa (Napoletano) De Maio; his son, Dr. Paul De Maio (Gail), his brother Dr. Arthur De Maio and his sister Antoinette Cafone, grandson Christopher Howell.

A visitation for Frank will be held Sunday, November 5, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Robert Toale and Sons Funeral Home at Palms Memorial Park, 170 Honore Ave, Sarasota, FL 34232.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmsrobartsfuneralhome.com for the De Maio family.