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Frank B. Pasquarella

Frank Pasquarella Obituary

PASQUARELLA, FRANK B., founder of the "Original Frankie's Famous Pizza" on Bird Road, passed away December 10, 2005, at the age of 80. He was born in Steubenville, Ohio, and moved to Miami with his wife, Doreen, in 1954. He began the family owned pizza shop, the oldest in Dade County, in 1955. Over the years, Frank helped put Frankie's on the map with dozens of local accolades and a nod from the top experts when in 1995, Frankie's Pizza was named one of America's top ten Gourmet Pizzas by Bon Appetite Magazine. Frank was deeply loved by not only his family and friends, but also his many employees and customers throughout the fifty years of his business. In an age when the bottom line drives the product, Frank and his beloved Pizza Shop stand for quality, compassion and community service. Thousands of happy customers have had the privilege to be in Frank's presence. A few had the honor of calling him a dear friend such as Mr. and Mrs. Joe Fragano, Jerry Dovin, and Silvio Cuardo, who lovingly cared for Frank during the past four years. Frank Pasquarella might have left this world due to a weak heart but the love he geminated, slice by slice from his Bird Road institution (Frankie's Pizza) will continue to fill hearts and bellies for years to come. He was preceded in death by Doreen, his wife of 49 years, and is survived by his daughters, Roxanne and Renee Pasquarella; grandson, Christopher Myles Patterson; and son-in-law, Chris Patterson. Services will be held at Van Orsdel Funeral Home, 9300 SW 40 St., Miami, FL 33165, 305-553-0064 From 5 p.m. - 10 p.m., Dec. 16. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the American Heart and Stroke Association PO Box 21475, St Petersburg, FL 33742. 1-800-275-0771 To visit this Guest Book Online, go to www.herald.com/obituaries.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by the Miami Herald from Dec. 15 to Dec. 16, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Frank Pasquarella

19 Entries

Lori Bellomio Jacobs

January 10, 2006

Much to my surprise today I received a call from my good ole friend Patty Horachek Stephenson only to learn of our beloved Franks passing. After growing up a mile from Frankie’s, I can't help feel a real sense of loss and sadness. Not only for the family--Renee and Rox, but the community in which he happily served.

Many of you remember our first job working at the pizza shop...making the boxes, prepping the half bakes, slicing the pepperoni, adding manually (before calculators and computers) and all the while there was Frank keeping a hand in it all; giving orders, cooking, tasting, cleaning...cleaning the parking lot, even after his first stroke he pushed on. The memories are sweet and the lessons deep. I'll never forget this one; “ if you don't have time to do it right the first time, then don't do it at all!" From then on I applied that lesson developing my own strong work ethic---just like Frank! And that was just one of many.

He was a great father, husband and an exceptional cook at home! I remember having the sleepovers where Renee and I would stay up all night talking, listening to music, laughing, talking- some- more until we finally fell asleep. The next morning, or should I say afternoon, when we teenagers got out of bed, Frank had a prepared a huge pot of homemade sauce and gnocchi’s which was our favorite! After indulging until we couldn't anymore, we went back to bed to digest it all! He would jokingly yell at us but mostly he was laughing with us.

Anyway I can still see his face, and hear his voice, so while he will be dearly missed he continues to live on...just stop by the pizza shop to see Renee or Roxanne and you will feel his presence.

With much love and regret,

John Delich

December 25, 2005

Renee& Roxanne,

Sorry to hear of Frank's passing.Our prayers & thoughts are with you & your families.Frankie's

pizza was the best.Always stopped on the way to the keys when visting sister Babe & brother -in-law Vic.Frank will be missed by many.

Tony Chickillo

December 21, 2005

Dear Roxanne and Renee

I know there is nothing I can do or say to make you feel better.Frankie was a great man.He was loved by all who knew him

and will be missed.Sorry, I was unable to attend the service.You have been in my thoughts and prayers.God Bless.Tony Chickillo.

Richard, David, Jonathan & Roberta Freer

December 17, 2005

Sincere condolences to we "survivors". Frankie, of blessed memory, will be missed.

Carolyn Brownstein & Family

December 17, 2005

We extend our deepest condolences to the Pasquarella family - since 1958, Frankie's Pizza has been a big part of our lives and we enjoyed going there most when Frank was at the counter. He was a gentleman - one of a kind - and he will be missed.

The Marine Family (Judy, Jenny , David & Bill) Marine

December 17, 2005

Our family is so sorry to hear about Frankie. From Elementary School thru the High School years at Southwest, there was hardly a week that went by that we did not eat Frankies Pizza. He was such a great man and always treated all of us as if we were his own. I think he was the only Adult we would listen to! You have suffered a great loss. Our thoughts and Prayers are with you.

Enos & Annie Schera

December 16, 2005

The Pasquarella Family:

We wish to express our deepest sypathy to you of your loving father Frankie. He will always be in our memories of the times we we had talking about the past. We became immediate friends when I told Frankie I served in the U.S. Marine Corps in WW2 and he told me he was also a WW2 Marine.

Frankie learned I was of Italian ancestry like he was and every time

I came for pizza, he would say,'hey

there's my Italiano compadre".

We were Frankies first customers in 1955 when I rode to his Pizza Shop on my motorcycle and Bird Road was a two-lane street. I attended Frankie's Pizza 50th Anniversery and shot photos of Rene holding his birthday cake and took video's that Cesar Becerra will use in his documentary book on Frankies 50th Anniversary we are waiting to be published.

We will always remember Frankies

smile when greeting customers. May

God be watching over Frankie as we

will miss him.

Sincerely,

Enos & Annie Schera, Miami, Fla.

[email protected]

Randy & Madelyn Hannah

December 16, 2005

Saddened to hear of Mr. Pasquarella's passing. Our prayers go out to the family. We have enjoyed his establishment for many years.

Ed & Wanda Katich

December 16, 2005

So sorry to learn of Mr. Pasquarella's passing.

Audley "Doug" Hannah

December 16, 2005

Was so sorry to hear of Mr. Pasquarella's death. We have loved his pizza's for many years and will continue to do so.

julie cooper

December 16, 2005

Dear Roxanne,

I just want to let you and your family know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Much love,

The Cooper family

Dave & Ruth Ann Maranto

December 16, 2005

We were saddened to hear of Frankie's death. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Lisa DeWind-Braafhart

December 16, 2005

On behalf of the entire DeWind Family, we are so sorry to hear of Frankie's passing. Our family has been customers of Frankie's Pizza's and lived in the neighborhood for many years. Believe me, the is no better pizza in the United States then Frankie's. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.

The DeWind Family

Barbara O'Keefe

December 16, 2005

Rocky & Renee....my prayers and wishes to you and your families on the loss of your beloved father. He was such a wonderful man, and I have many memories of him and your mom! God bless you all.

Barbara O'Keefe (Dr. Gibby's nurse for many of your growing up years)

Elaine Sarradet (Lapinsky)

December 15, 2005

Dear Renee and Roxanne - just wanted you to know our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time - think of your love and happy times. Love always, Elaine, George, Alexis and Michelle

Gilda Perez

December 15, 2005

Sorry about your dad's passing. He was one of a kind. When I moved away from Westchester, I would still drive all the way to Frankie's to eat his good pizza and to see his warm smile. Gilda Perez & Fam.

Anne, Chuck & Craig McDonell

December 15, 2005

My family and I share your loss in the passing of a wonderful man. We have always enjoyed the Pizza he introduced us to. May God be with each of you in your time of sorrow.

Karla (Hackmann) Phelps

December 15, 2005

We're so very sorry to hear about Frankie passing. He was an institution for those of us who attended Southwest High and lived in the neighborhood. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

denise amatangelo

December 15, 2005

we are so very sorry for your loss. frank was one of a kind and we always talk about our " HORSE " days together.our thoughts and prayers are with the family..janet,denise,joe,gail & amy amatangelo

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