Frank J. Todesco 77, of Franklin, died Friday, Sept. 28, 2007, at the Maples Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Wrentham, following a brief illness.
He was the husband of Viola L. (Biscotti) Todesco, who died in 2005.
Born in Franklin, he was a son of the late James and Josephine (Cataloni) Todesco, and had lived in Franklin most of his life. Raised and educated in Mansfield, he was a 1949 graduate of Mansfield High School, where he was an outstanding football player. He also played semi-professional football with the Mansfield Warriors.
A retired barber, he had owned and operated Frank's Barber Shop on Union Street, for more than 45 years.
A veteran of the Korean War, he served in the U.S. Army, and was stationed in Korea, attaining the rank of corporal. He was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Korean Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged in November 1953.
He was a member of the Franklin Lodge of Elks, the St. Anthony & Columbus Benevolent Society in Franklin, the Father James Coffey Knights of Columbus Council in Wrentham, and was a former longtime member and lecturer at Sacred Heart Council Knights of Columbus in Franklin, where he called bingo on Monday nights for more than 20 years. He was also a member of the Milford Italian Veterans, the Franklin Senior Citizens, the American Association of Retired Persons, and was a communicant of St. Mary's Church in Franklin.
His hobbies and interests, in addition to his family, included cooking, fishing, golf and trips to Maine.
He leaves two sons, Frank L. Todesco and David A. Todesco, both of Franklin; a daughter, Deborah A. Bullukian of Franklin; two brothers, William Todesco of Wolfboro, N.H., and James Todesco of Norton; three sisters, Phyllis Welshman, Rosalie Comey and Geraldine Campbell, all of Attleboro; and six grandchildren.
He was also the father of the late Brian A. Todesco.
His funeral, with military honors, will take place Tuesday, Oct. 2, at 9:45 a.m., from the Charles F. Oteri & Son Franklin Funeral Home, 33 Cottage St., followed by a funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m., at St. Mary's Church, 1 Church Square, Franklin.
Burial will follow in the family lot in the parish cemetery.
Visiting hours are Monday, Oct. 1, from 4 to 8 p.m.
Donations in his memory, sent to the American Cancer Society, 1115 W. Chestnut St., Brockton, MA 02301, would be appreciated.