The funeral Mass for Frank and Helen will be held on Thursday, April 5, in St. Anthony di Padua Church, at 11:00am. There are no calling hours. Burial will follow in St. Bernard’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to Health Alliance Leominster Hospital, 60 Hospital Rd., Leominster, MA 01453.
OBITUARY
Fitchburg – Frank M. Cioffi, 96, of Fitchburg, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 1, 2018 in Leominster Hospital.
Frank was born in Fitchburg on October 7, 1921, a son of the late Pasquale and Vincenza (Rodriquenz) Cioffi. He graduated from Fitchburg High School in 1939 where he starred on the Football and Baseball teams. Frank proudly served his country in the US Navy during WWII, until his honorable discharge in 1945. He served on and survived a direct torpedo hit on the USS Denver. Frank was the recipient of two Battle Stars, the WWII Victory Medal and the Philippine Liberation Medal. Years later, Frank was very involved in the Planning Committee for the USS Denver reunions.
For over 38 years, Frank worked for General Electric Co., retiring in 1984 as Production Control Supervisor. He was a member of the GE Quarter Century Club, the VFW, and the Greendale Retired Men’s Club. Frank was a parishioner of St. Bernard’s Church for over 58 years, St. Joseph Church, and later St. Anthony di Padua Church.
Frank loved sports and enjoyed playing football for the Leominster Lions Pro Team. He was also the backfield coach at Notre Dame Football in the 1950’s. Frank enjoyed umpiring baseball games in Little League and Babe Ruth. Frank loved to travel and was well known for his abundant gardens.
Frank is survived by his daughter Kathleen Cioffi of Fitchburg; a son Paul J. Cioffi and his wife Cynthia of Ashby; grandchildren William, Michael and Timothy DiLillo; former son in law, Billy DiLillo; a close friend, Mario Orsini, and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his wife of 64 years, Helen M. (O’Donnell) Cioffi on February 24, 2018; his son, Steven Cioffi in 2012; Kathie’s fiancé, Dr. Richard Hawkins; his siblings, Michael, Louis, Antonio, and Gabriela Cioffi, Madeline Murphy, Louise Cordio, and Gloria Sulkin.
A special thank you to his daughter in law, Cindy Cioffi, who took special care of Frank the last few months. Thank you also to the amazing staff at the Health Alliance Leominster Hospital in the ER, Surgical Services, and the M-Floor for their care.