Francis Gasbarro
LEOMINSTER - Francis Gasbarro born in Corfino Italy, birth name Francesco, on September 2nd, 1934, passed on March 24th, 2024, peacefully after recently resettling back to Leominster from Florida to be close to his family.
Frank immigrated to the United States at age 15 with his mother, Yolanda (Colella) Gasbarro and sister Clelia “Cla” Mackay along with several extended family members. His father, Severo Gasbarro would follow his family to the US several months later. A family fulfilling the American dream emerged.
He was always a social person as well as a hard worker, truly a self-made man. Franny met his wife of 68 years, Antionette “Netta” Gasbarro, at a T.A.G. (teen age group) dance in Leominster as young teenagers and she taught him to dance, from there they never looked back and married on September 4th, 1954, remodeling and building many homes, raising 4 children, Michael, Mark, Maryann and Melissa (the M trend was not intentional) and living life to the fullest.
Frank began his career as an apprentice machinist at Banner Mold in Leominster and continued that career for 20 years, learning the trade and business acumen, moving into the foreman role building friendships and network of colleagues.
He took that experience and along with his wife Netta started a successful business, F&M Tool and Die in 1974 which they built together with their sons.
Their life was always full of work & social activities. Every evening and most weekends filled with numerous happenings such as their children’s sporting events, Saint Anna’s Parish outings, Knights of Columbus and Elks Lodge member dinner dances where they continued their love of dancing, racquetball and tennis matches and a true passion for golfing. Fran’s golfing lust was as much about the social aspect as the athletic, he greatly enjoyed his memberships at Moonosnock CC in Leominster, Oak Hill CC in Fitchburg and a full lifestyle of country club living for over 30 years at Worthington CC in Bonita Springs Florida. He was always a welcome 4th and a valued partner.
Fran’s greatest memory is bringing all his children and grandchildren back to his beloved birthplace and sharing his early years with them. A survivor of occupied Italy during WW2, he had lots of stories to share and plenty of hardship, however he was forever humble and grateful for all his opportunities and achievements. Anyone who knew him was captivated by his compelling charm and rich character.
Francis leaves behind his four children, Michael, wife Debra (Tourigny), Maryann, husband Martin Bradford all of Leominster, Mark, wife Marie-eve (Quimper) of Boston and Melissa, husband Glenn Christy of Lynn. He also leaves his beloved brother Anthony “Tony” Gasbarro, sister-in-law Michelle Gasbarro, brothers-in-law Bill Mackay and Rich Dondero, 9 grandchildren, Erica Grinkis, Jason Gasbarro, Victoria Swaney, Amanda Swaney, Geno Gasbarro, Carlo Gasbarro, Briana (Bradford) Rocheleau, Christopher Bradford and Matthew Crisci as well as 8 great grandchildren, several beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He is pre-deceased by wife, Antonette
(Dondero) Gasbarro, his sister Clelia Mackay and granddaughter Lauren Christy.
Franny was a remarkable man, admired and honorable with a great sense of humor who’s twinkle in his blue eyes was as bright as his smile. He will leave a hole in the hearts of all who loved him as well as all he loved.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, April 2 from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Richardson Funeral Home, 106 West St., Leominster. A funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday,
April 3 at St. Anna Church, 199 Lancaster
St., Leominster at 11:00 A.M., with a burial to follow at St. Leo Cemetery, 360 Lancaster St., Leominster. The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the St. Anna Church building fund.
www.richardsonfuneralhome.net