Francis Laurino
Francis R. Laurino, 82, beloved husband of Joanne (Karayianes) Laurino, formerly of Lynn, MA and Norwalk, CT, passed away with family by his side in Naples, FL after a brief illness. Frank was born in Lynn on July 24,1938 and graduated from Lynn English High School where he took pride in playing football for all four years as “Frank the Tank” #48. That was also where he met his heart and soul, Joanne, with whom he married on November 13, 1960. What started as high school sweethearts turned into 60 devoted years of marriage and a lifetime of unconditional love.
Frank is survived by his four children including Dori Mitzi (David), Hillsborough, NC, Darlene DeRosa, Stratford, CT, Julie Bifano, Naples, FL, and Jay Laurino (Amy), Easton, CT, his eight grandchildren including Victoria, Amanda, and Taylor Bifano, Nicky and Alec DeRosa, Elena Mitzi, Gianna and Luca Laurino, and his great granddaughter and the apple of his eye, Johanna Bifano. He is also survived by his brother, Edward Laurino (Kathy), as well as Edward Karayianes (Laurena), James Karayianes, Elaine Lazurek (Gary), and several nieces and nephews.
Frank worked as a tireless chef and restaurateur while owning and operating Loaves & Fishes Restaurant for many years. He met countless lifelong friends throughout this endeavor. His passion for cooking did not just stop at work and carried into his home as well where he prepared some of the best meals for his family and friends. Frank was the patriarch for all family gatherings of every occasion where family and good food was the main event. The things he would cook were like none other. Frank was also an avid boater and picked up many lifelong friends through his love of boating. Enjoying the Norwalk Islands, he loved camping out at Ram with other local families. For most of his life, his passion for church brought him to St. Joseph’s Church in South Norwalk, CT where he met Father Bernelli and helped organize the Living Stations of the Cross where he portrayed Jesus for many of those years. He also helped organize yearly trips to see Godspell on Broadway, bike rides to Sherwood Island, and learned how to play the mandolin with his daughter Dori to perform with church at nursing homes and on special occasions. Additionally, he was active in The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) working with those interested in converting to Catholicism. Later in life, he developed a passion for drawing. He covered every inch of his walls as well as his family’s with his beautiful drawings. We all know this was one of his favorite topics of conversation, his latest drawing. Frank cherished his family and friends. Each and every one of you held a special place in his heart.
Funeral arrangements will be held at 10:00 a.m. on April 29, 2021 at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, 5130 Rattlesnake Hammock Road, Naples, FL 34112. Services will be live streamed for those unable to attend.