Frank Giacalone, a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, and faithful servant of God, passed away peacefully at the age of 90. Born on September 26, 1935 in Mazara Del Vallo, Sicily, Frank immigrated to the United States in the 1940s, chasing the promise of a better life while bringing with him the strength, humility, and values of his homeland. He made his home in Medford, Massachusetts, where he raised a family rooted in love, faith, and tradition. Frank worked hard his entire life, first as a meat packer, then later as a security guard at Medford High School, where he was a familiar and comforting presence to students and faculty alike. He was a man of routine, honor, and quiet generosity.
Frank had a deep love for his Catholic faith, and Sundays were sacred — not just for church, but for the simple joys that followed: Sunday family dinners, ice cream at Brigham’s and hot chocolate with the kids at Pewter Pot. Moments that turned into treasured memories.
He was a lifelong fan of Boston sports, Boston Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins, and Patriots.. Instilling that passion on to his children with cherished moments like seeing Fenway Park for the first time, wide-eyed and smiling like a kid again.
He was devoted to his beloved wife, Rosaria, with whom he shared a lifetime of love, partnership, and family. Together, they raised four children who will carry his legacy forward: Maryann, Sal, Frank, and Robert. He was a proud grandfather to Christopher, David, and Anthony, whose lives were enriched by his warmth and love. Frank is survived by his dear sister Margaret, who held a special place in his heart, and is reunited in peace with his brother John, who passed away six years ago. His memory lives on in all who knew and loved him.
Frank's children would like to share some special memories with you:
Maryann's memories:
As a child, I’ll always remember our Sunday walks to church together — just me and Dad — those long walks that always ended with a special treat afterward. I can still taste the hot chocolate from the Pewter Pot, and I can still see him smiling when I refused to try any ice cream flavor at Brigham’s other than vanilla. His gentle persistence eventually won me over, and that simple moment became one of many lessons in keeping an open heart.
Later in life, as Dad settled into the nursing home, I watched him find joy again — fully embracing the games, the company of his beloved caretakers, residents, and especially the music. When the singers came, his face lit up with pure happiness. And when he sang Volare, you could see the spark of his spirit shining through — full of life, full of love, full of Dad.
Sal's memories:
Sunday dinners with all our family…. Going to Fenway Park with dad as a kid for the first time to watch the Red Sox play was amazing! Ice cream at Brigham's and Friendly's, playing basketball and baseball with him at Magoon park. Going to the Northend to buy a new pair of PF Fyler sneakers, running down the street thinking I could jump higher and run faster! Dad singing all the wonderful Italian songs at my wedding rehearsal dinner, a time I will never forget. Dad going to the store in the back seat of Joseph's 3000GT sports car to get milk, flour and sugar in a hilarious experimental cookie making adventure.. Memories I will cherish with all my heart and - Joseph certainly knows!
Frank's memories:
I remember when we lived on Bow Street. On a hot summers day we would walk all the way down winter hill and go to Foss park. When we got there, we would be so hot and tired, but we would cool off in the public swimming pool so refreshing. I also remember when we walked to church every Sunday from Pembroke Street. After church we would go to Pewter Pot restaurant, for a hot chocolate with whipped cream. Remember walking a lot with dad and then ending with a good time. I also remember our 1st Red Sox game, we walked through the old walkways of the stadium, then 1st seeing the beautiful green ball field. A lasting memory.
Robert's memories:
Dad had a unique way of making each child feel special — memories with Dad revolve around him being a hard worker and an avid Bruins, Celtics and Red Sox fan. Some of my best memories are hopping on the bus & train and going to Fenway Park to see some Red Sox games and the old Boston Garden to see the Celtics & Bruins. I also remember going to Medford High School where he worked as a security guard and playing wiffle ball with him at the old shack at the high school.
"Our dad showed love through actions more than words, and we always knew we were loved.”
Francesco was the beloved husband of the late Rosaria (Ciaramitaro) Giacalone. He was the devoted father of Salvatore Giacalone and his partner Rosemarie Cugini, Frank Giacalone and his wife JeanMarie, MaryAnn Blackler and her late husband Darrin and Robert Giacalone and his wife Anna. He was the loving grandfather of Anthony, Christopher and his wife Claudia and David and his wife Meghan. He was the caring father in law of Pamela Giacalone and her son Joseph Garcia and his wife Jenna and great grandfather to Julian and Layla. He was the dear brother of Margaret Quinci and her late husband Francesco and the late John B. Giacalone, Sr., and his late wife Anna “Connie” Giacalone. Francesco is also survived by many loving family members.
Visiting hours will be held in the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford, on Sunday, October 26th, from 4 PM to 8 PM, and again on Monday, October 27th, at 10 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated in St. Joseph's Church, 118 High St., Medford at 11 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Services will conclude with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Francesco’s name to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memorials Processing, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959, or to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.