FRANK JOSEPH TROMBATORE
1922-2021
Frank Joseph Trombatore passed away peacefully September 8, 2021, just one month shy of his 99th birthday. He was born in Houston, Texas October 6, 1922. Frank proudly served his country in WWII with the United States Air Force. He was a long-time member of the Sacred Heart Society of Little York, the Italian Cultural & Community Center, Assumption Catholic Church, and a volunteer with the Houston Italian Festival. Frank worked at Faust Distributing Co. for 30 years as sales manager of Falstaff/Miller beer products. A native Houstonian, Frank met the love of his life, Catherine Ciulla and was married for 66 years. He was blessed with five children, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Frank is preceded in death by his parents Biagio (Ben) & Mary Trombatore, wife Catherine, son Michael, siblings Luke Trombatore, Agnes Grucholski, Phillip Trombatore, Rose Grizzaffi and Lena Clements.
Frank is survived by his son Ben Trombatore, daughter Linda Trombatore, roommate and fellow gardener Pamela McHenry, daughter Tricia Limon & husband Pete, and daughter Janet Piazza. Grandchildren Trichelle Newman & husband Joseph, Anthony Limon & fiancé Elene King & son Zander, Mark Loerch Jr. and Emily Piazza. Great-Grandchildren Ella Newman and Olivia Newman. Sister-in-law Josephine Maduzia and numerous nieces and nephews.
Frank loved spending time with his family and was admired by his long-time friends. He enjoyed playing golf with his buddies, even kept a score card from 1960 where he shot a 74! He was an avid gardener, growing many vegetables & fruits in his backyard, especially proud of his tomatoes & garlic. Every year Frank would take his family camping for two weeks to Garner State Park, enjoying the ice-cold Frio River and hiking Old Baldy.
One of Frank’s greatest pleasures was belonging to the Sacred Heart Club. He would play poker every Wednesday at the hall with his buddies, bragging about his winnings over a beer. He was a regular on pasta Thursdays, sitting at the 90’s and over table, where there was always a lot of laughter, wine drinking and story-telling going on among friends. You could always count on seeing Frank at the annual Italian Festival, serving up pasta & meatballs with his friends.
Although our hearts are heavy, we will joyously celebrate his life and find comfort that he is in heaven watching over us.
Memorial services will be held on Monday, September 20, 2021, at Earthman Resthaven Funeral Home & Cemetery, 13102 North Freeway in Houston, TX. Visitation to be held from 5:00-7:00pm with Catholic Rosary from 7:00-8:00pm. Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday, September 21, 2021, at St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Church, 7810 Cypresswood Dr. in Spring, TX, and will be officiated by Frank’s nephew, Fr. Norbert Maduzia. Reception to be held in church hall immediately after mass. Graveside services to be held at 2:30pm at Earthman Resthaven Cemetery.