Frank J. Varrichione

1932 - 2018

Frank Joseph Varrichione, 85, peacefully passed away on Saturday, January 6, 2018. Frank was the beloved husband of Mitzi (Durock) Varrichione. He was the doting father of Vicki Garland and husband Doug, the late Frank Varrichione II and his wife Maria, Terri Henry and husband Edmund, and Lauri Baker. He was the proud grandfather of seven; Ron Varrichione, Sam Garland, Mark Henry, Hannah Garland, Anthony Varrichione, Matthew Henry and Michael Varrichione and was the great-grandfather of Annabella Varrichione. Born in Natick, MA on January 14, 1932, Frank was the son of Joseph Varrichione and Mary Grace (Zugale) Varrichione. The youngest of ten, he was the cherished brother of Louise, Pat, Carmella, Netta, Tony, Betty, Annie, Francis, and Mario, along with a long list of nieces and nephews, cousins and second cousins. He was a generous friend to all who met him and he never said no to anyone in need. Frank is a celebrated professional football player. He was a graduate of Natick High School and was a 4 year starter for the Notre Dame University football team. In 1955 he was a first round draft pick and was chosen by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He played 11 years of professional football as right offensive tackle and retired from the Los Angeles Rams as the offensive captain. Frank played in five pro-bowl games including his rookie year. Frank was inducted into the Natick High School Athletic Hall of Fame, the Boston Chapter of the Italian-American Sports Hall of Fame and was selected for the right tackle position to the Pittsburgh Steelers All-Time Legends team as well as a Steelers Hall of Famer. Franks greatest joy came from the 64 years he spent with his wife Mitzi. Together they shared the comfort of family and cherished all the times their family came together to celebrate their devotion. They could always count on him to sing love songs to his wife at every gathering and learned from him what it meant to be a good and honest man. He did it his way. A funeral Mass celebrating Franks magnificent life will be Thursday, January 11, 2018 at 10AM in St. Tarcisius Church, 562 Waverly St., Framingham. At the familys request, there will be no Visiting Hours. Arrangements are entrusted to the Norton Funeral Home, 53 Beech St., Framingham. In honor of this great man, donations can be made to Saint Tarcisius Church, 562 Waverly St., Framingham, MA 01702 To leave a message of condolence please visit www. nortonfuneralhome.com.