A “Great Guy” was how everyone described Frank Susi, age 57, who peacefully passed away on Monday, June 19th after saying goodbye to his loving family.
Frank was born on Father’s Day, June 20,1965 in Boston to Nicola and Maria (Ventresca) Susi, named after his father’s favorite singer and because of his beautiful blue eyes. He was warm, kindhearted and a true gentleman just like his father.
Growing up in the North End with his sister Marylu, he was always the protective big brother and right by her side if anything was needed. Frank and Marylu felt the love of their supportive parents. Dinners were always as a family, no matter what was going on during the day. He attended St. John’s School and graduated from Christopher Columbus High School in 1983 and then worked as a machinist at Walbar building precision parts for military planes.
Frank particularly enjoyed visiting his grandparents Antonio and Maria Susi in Sulmona, Italy and reminisced of it often. He also enjoyed celebrating the tradition of the Fisherman’s Feast with the best view of the flying angel from the North Street apartment of his Nonna Flora and Nonno Cesidio Ventresca. The gathering had always included his beloved Godparents Uncle Ostilio and Auntie Irma DiCenso and Uncle Tony and Auntie Celia Susi. Paper confetti was thrown out the window by the gang of Susi cousins, Tony, Larry, Johnny, Donna and Richie. Frank loved tagging along with cousins Grace and Nino Federico going to Circle Pizza, who then spoiled him with purchasing a MatchBox car.
Growing up in the North End with cousins Aldo, Lucy, Tony, Gino, Nino, and Johnny, everyone thought the bunch were brothers and sisters, and truly they were. Uncle Gaetano and Aunt Aquilina Susi on Fleet Street would always stop in to say hello before heading to Uncle Giovanni and Aunt Elda DiFrancesco’s apartment on Salem Street to meet the rest of the family. The family’s ‘back yard’ was North Street where cousins played football in front of their home and Frank was the ‘official quarterback’, also the game of ‘Eris’ with a tennis ball. Saturday nights were for the Boston Garden to watch wrestling matches with the legendary Bruno Sammartino with Frank’s father, cousins and their dads.
Frank was excited to learn to drive by going with his Dad on Sunday drives to Uncle Frank and Auntie Liliana D’Amato in Lynn to pick up their wine and vegetables from their garden. Frank, along with cousin Gino picked up his first car, a 1989 white Crown Victoria which became his signature trademark, proudly keeping it in pristine condition.
With his father’s hard work, the Susi family later moved to a home in Somerville. The two-family home was always full of life, with celebrating the feast of the seven fish downstairs at Uncle Joe and in Aunt Ilda Grossi’s home during the holidays. Frank and Marylu finally had a real backyard, where they grew up as brother and sister to cousins Debbie and Jesse. Frank was the big brother to the group. With great joy, he took the role of Godfather to Jesse.
Frank’s pivotal time was when his nephews, Dante and Damian LoPriore came into his life. He watched them grow as his mother; Maria babysat for them. Frank enjoyed using slang Italian words with his nephews and showered them with gifts of nostalgic items from growing up. He was proud to be Dante’s Godfather. Frank’s sense of humor always got everyone off guard. He would tell his nephews how handsome they were and that since they have money in the bank, they should cruise around Revere Beach and the girls would follow.
Unfortunately, the last eight years of Frank’s life were hard with the ups and downs of his illness. His mother selflessly tended to his every need. His mother was an advocate for his care. Her love and positivity pushed Frank to see every day as a fresh start. Frank’s will to fight his illness came from his desire to be part of his nephews’ lives. In the end, he bravely to decided it was time to free his body of the live saving machines. His body was exhausted, but his mind was clear as he said goodbye to all his family members. Frank’s Kidney Specialist Dr. David Steele commented on his positivity and will-to-live that kept him thriving and even said, “he’s my friend”. Nurses at MGH commented on Frank’s thoughtfulness and putting family first during his last days.
A loving son, brother, uncle, and friend, Frank touched many hearts and will be remembered always.
Frank’s funeral will be from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford, MA. Visiting hours will be held Monday, June 26th, from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM, followed by a funeral mass celebrated in Immaculate Conception Church, 600 Pleasant Street, Malden, at 10 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Services will conclude with entombment at Holy Cross Mausoleum, Malden.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Frank’s name to the American Kidney Fund. Their website is https://secure.kidneyfund.org.