TEWKSBURY: Franklin Ronald "Frank" Colantuonio, Sr., age 70, owner and operator of the Tewksbury Florist & Greenery, and a resident of Tewksbury for more than 55 years, passed away unexpectedly on Monday evening, August 31, 2009 at Saints Medical Center in Lowell.
He was the beloved husband of Katherine M. (Gaiero) Colantuonio, with whom he celebrated their 43rd wedding anniversary on August 27, 2009.
Born in Melrose on October 31, 1938, he was the son of the late Gaetano and Mary Grace (Calvetti) Colantuonio.
Frank was raised in Wakefield and attended Wakefield schools up to the eighth grade. In 1953, his family moved to Tewksbury, where he attended Tewksbury schools and graduated from Tewksbury High School in 1957. Following graduation, he attended Rittner's School of Floral Design in Boston.
In 1961, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve and served until 1967 in the Infantry.
Following his honorable discharge on April 27, 1967, he entered his family's retail florist business in Tewksbury, where he has worked for the past 51 years.
Frank was a communicant of Saint William's Parish of Tewksbury, a member of the Tewksbury-Wilmington Elks Post # 2070, and a member of the Billerica Sons of Italy.
He enjoyed many activities especially his Thursday card games with his cousins, taking scenic drives with his wife in New Hampshire, and attending social gatherings and family parties.
Frank was very proud of his children and grandchildren and his greatest joy came from time spent with each of them.
In addition to his beloved wife Katherine, he is survived by three children, Franklin R. Colantuonio, Jr. and his wife Liz of Hudson, NH, Karen A. Colantuonio of Lowell and Christopher J. Colantuonio of Methuen; two grandchildren, Isabelle G. and Olivia L. Colantuonio both of Hudson, NH; one sister, Jean Parent and her husband Roger of Indiantown, FL; one niece, Kerri Westburg and her husband Kevin of Colorado Springs, CO; also his many extended family members in Wakefield, MA.
Calling hours Thursday, Sept. 3rd, from 3-7 p.m., at the Farmer & Dee Funeral Home, 16 Lee St., Tewksbury. Funeral Friday, Sept. 4th, at 9 a.m., from the funeral home, followed by his Funeral Mass at 10 a.m., at St. William's Church, 1351 Main St., Rte. 38, Tewksbury. Interment will follow at St. Mary Cemetery, Tewksbury. Donations in his memory may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.