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Francis X. Tronco

Francis Tronco Obituary

TRONCO
FRANCIS X. age 47 on March 18, 2004, son of the late Rosalie and the late Joseph, dear brother of Lia Everett (Robert) and the late Antonio Tronco (the late Susan), dear uncle of Antonio Jr., Matthew and Michael; also survived by his longtime companions and beloved friends, Robert D. Regalbuto and Richard Mathis Jr. Relatives and friends are invited to his Funeral Mon. 9 A.M. RUFFENACH FUNERAL HOME, 21st St. and Snyder Ave. Funeral Mass St. Edmond Church 10 A.M. Int. SS. Peter and Paul Cem. Viewing Sun. 7 to 9 P.M.

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

Published by Philadelphia Inquirer/Philadelphia Daily News from Mar. 20 to Mar. 21, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Francis Tronco

Sponsored by Ritann Gallo and June Shannehan.

72 Entries

Kate Shuster

May 1, 2025

Thinking of you today and always, forever our Young American. We love you Frank.

Kate Shuster

March 16, 2023

My dear Frank. I miss you deeply, and I know I always will. You became family and showed me how amazing the world could be. You made me feel beautiful when I never did. You introduced me to my favorite movie, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. I remember watching it in your basement in Delaware. Your hugs were the best and your smile made me feel like everything was OK. For so many years, I couldn´t bear to listen to `Young Americans´. It made my heart ache so much. Now though, I´ve found a way to listen to it and think of you with happiness. You were an original, one of Bowie´s Young Americans. My adopted uncle. I have pictures if our Baltimore trip hanging at home. I like walking by you everyday. I hop you know how fiercely you are loved and always will be. I am forever grateful for you .

Love always,
Kate Shuster (Terlingo)

ROBERT REGALBUTO

March 14, 2022

has it really been this long? we were suppose to always be there for each other. my life has changed since you passed and i am always thinking about how wonderful and full of joy and good advice you had . you are always in my mind and i will love you to my last days

Kate Shuster

March 14, 2022

Dear Frank, thinking of and loving you, as I will always do. You made my life better in countless ways and I´m forever grateful. I´ll continue telling Jake & Michael all about you and keeping our love alive Love always.

Katy

ROBERT REGALBUTO

March 14, 2021

wow. what can i say? frank is so missed by many people, especially me. my life changed when he passed and gave me pause to re evaluate my life. I try to talk to him in my prayers every day. i never met anyone like him who had so much compassion and love and lived his true life as he saw fit. he was a cook and baker, he could make anything! and he could do plumbing and re wire a house. he was an artist, poet and designer, and painter. truly a man with many talents. I knew him since i was 16 and we were together many years. many summers down wildwood at his grandmoms. hundreds of rock concerts like bowie and queen. we saw just about every group in concert. The passing years have made it easier for me to come to terms with his passing. i thank god i had the privilege to know and love him.

Jake,a little man Uncle Frank would have loved

Kate Shuster

March 16, 2019

Frank was the Uncle & friend everyone deserves. His love and friendship are deeply embedded into my life. He knew me and always made me feel better. His laughter and love encourage me still. His photographs are all over my home & my husband and son know so much about him, thought they never had a chance to meet him. I love you Frank. Always Bowie's Young American to me ❤

Love Kate

Lia Everett

March 15, 2019

15 years gone. Miss you Fran.
Every. Single.Day.

ROBERT REGALBUTO

March 14, 2019

wow, has it really been that long? the void left is deep and is still there but i cherish the good memories i have of our time together. A week doesn't go by when i don't dream of him. sometimes i dream he is still alive and here in his room but only i can see him and we talk and watch tv , ect nd he is cooking a great in my dream. people come and go into our lives for a reason and i am truly a better person for knowing him. I know every one has a frank story. he was special to so many people and was fun to be around with. i think back of our youth in Wildwood at his grand moms on Glenwood ave. and the clubs we went to and rock concerts. I think i met him when i was 16 or 17 and we clicked right away. the 80' s and 90"s we so much fun and we lived life to the fullest. I can't drink any more but if i did i would raise my glass to frank and say thank you for the time you gave me and may god keep you close to him in heaven

January 4, 2016

Not a week goes by that Frank is not in my thoughts. He had such a huge impact on my life ( and still does) and is always a part of my family. He was smart, funny, generous and wicked in so many ways.I wish so much that my son Jake could have met hi Uncle Frank. He photograph looks over us everyday and his Frank-isms are family legend.

I will love him always.

robert regalbuto

December 28, 2015

i think of frank often , me and my sister were talking about him the other day. he knew how do do every thing and was so smart. I think every one has some one that leaves a unforgetable mark in you life, Frank was it. now all i have are my happy memories of him and all the things he taught me. im sure Frank and nick and linda are having a party all night in heaven like they use to do here

robert regalbuto

December 14, 2013

still think of him and miss him, made his cheese cake from his recepie book and it was great.his passing changed my life. with my mom passing also these 2 events weigh heavly on my soul

Lia Everett

December 11, 2013

Today would have been your 57th birthday,dear brother. Happy Birthday.How I miss you. Always the most this month with both our birthdays and Christmas approaching. Almost 10 years since you've passed. Miss talking everyday.

robert regalbuto

August 10, 2012

my cell is 302-275-8766 and my e mail is [email protected] if any friends are trying to contact me

robert regalbuto

August 10, 2012

I still think of Frank, miss the life we had

Kate Morris

August 17, 2011

I loved Frank very much and all the Terlingo's considered him, and still do, part of our family. I wish very much he could have been there to hug me at my wedding and see my son Jacob when he was born. I miss him every day and always will. I love you Frank.

robert regalbuto

April 3, 2009

lia, was so nice to se u here n thanks for thinking about me. its been hell with out him, not a day goes by i dont regret losing him n wrong decisions i have made, why cant we just go back n make things all right again? , rich and i are not together, happined last year, although he still lives here,. now i am compeatly alone now with my regrets. would luv to hear from people also. frank was an anchor n my life n since he was gone. it has not been good. later robert 302-322-4003

Lia Everett

April 2, 2009

Well, it's been a long 5 years without you brother.Yet it seems like just yesterday we were together.All of us.Life is so lonely sometimes even when surrounded by people you love and who love you.Today is mommy's birthday...we would have all been together celebrating. Well, hopefully you all are.Now even Aunt Jo has joined you. Thinking of you everyday and wishing we could have just one more day together.My love to all of you who are missing loved ones as much as I am.It is wonderful to be able to read all the fond memories people have of Fran and the thoughts they have shared in this guest book. For that, I again send my thanks to Ritann and June. Hope all is well with Rob & Rich. Love and miss you soooo much, Fran.

robert regalbuto

May 13, 2007

well another year has gone by. another year with out frank. i miss him so much.sometimes i still think its a dream and he will come out of his room and holler at me"DO U HAVE TO SLAM EVERY CABINET DOOR AND BANG EVERY PAN!" who would ever think i would miss that! the flowers are comming back that he planted but his rose bushers have not done well since he left. last year it hardly grew, he use to cut hundreds of roses from it. seems like everything i do pales n comparrison to him.im still trying to find out who i am now that he is gone, its very hard and sometimes im angry.it would b nice to hear from someone. [email protected] 302-322-4003

robert regalbuto

December 9, 2006

i almost forgot this, its so weird! 2 weeks ago at work my cell phone rang, i could not answer it as i was waiting on a customer, when i looked at my missed calls it said "FRANK", i got the chills when i saw it. i told rich and he said well we donated his cell to good will and maybe my # was still in it and someone just dialed me.i told my friend dave at work and he looked at the call,, it was not from franks cell phone but from his phone line in his room that was disconnected 2 years ago. now i know the phone company rotates old # back in the system but what is the likelyhood that that person would dial my cell phone? a million to one i think!the call was 1 1/2 min. and no message. wow!i cant explain it or what it means, i dont believe n the afterlife anymore so im puzzeled by it. rob

robert regalbuto

December 9, 2006

wow! in a couple of days it will be franks birthday. we would always joke that we were the same age for 2 months( my birthday is feb 15). how can i express n words the loss and pain i still have.with his passing such a void was left in my life. all the things we did together for almost 30 years, the companionship is lost.i havent been in a thrift store since he got sick or went to get pastries n south philly. my visits to my moms is so infrequent now. he would say to me"u better go see u r mom , u dont know how long she is going to b here and he would bribe me telling me we can get hot dogs from the GREEKS while we are n south philly!he made sure i got to see my mom every couple weeks. i did so enjoy going with him to south philly, my mom loved him so much too. he would sit and talk to her. saying "hows it going PENNY! and they would talk 4 hours!lol.not a day goes by with out thinking of him and it always brings a tear to my eye to remember him.i was going through some of his papers the other day and found a valentines card he wrote and addressed to me saying, "still love ya!" well i never stoped loving him. maybe thats why after all these years im still messed up. theres no one to talk to about it either so it just lingers with me.half of me was burried that day with him and im not a whole person anymore.i wonder, if anyone knows how long does it take to get over a death of a loved one?is it going to be like this till i die? rich and i got tickets for the KING TUT exhibit at the Franklin Institute. frank would have so loved going to that. and i know rich probily doesnt have that much interest in it but is going for me. that whole side of my life ended when frank passed, cause rich and i dont have those things n common, me and frank did. thats why it was so perfect the 3 of us. well im not going to decorate this year either . i just don't feel like it. Frank would have had the whole front lawn and house decorated by now, he loved to do christmas stuff, everything is still n my attic, all the animated dolls we put out. me and rich would go out and get a tree and i would tell frank i would decorate it, but he said i did it all wrong and did it himself!damm frank, i miss u soo much, feels like im all alone in the world love rob ps it would b nice if some people got n touch with me

robert regalbuto

October 8, 2006

i have been thinking about frank a lot lately.i still miss him so much and feel so lonley with out him, still trying to figure out how to hang drapes n dining room like he did, so. the ones he hung are still there, i know i will mess them up!i just lost so much with his passing including my social life and even visiting my mom, he would always say to me"robert lets go visit Penny! u havent seen here n a while", then we would go to south philly n go to potitos n get all the pastries that we should have not eaten!, he would say" ill just have a little piece!"he loved their canollis!since he is gone i've been a virutial prisoner n delaware since i dont drive. i tried, just to nervious.i miss so much the life i use to have with frank, holidays were so much fun and the parties too. thats all gone now . wanted to say hello to Lia and her family, i do think of u often. our loss can not be put into words.would love to herar from friends and family too [email protected]. still lovin u and missing u frank! robert

Marylynn Harvey

May 5, 2006

Spring has always made me smile fondly and think of Fran trying to tend to his yard and landscaping. I dig in my dirt and remember him...and smile. I miss him alot. I pray that everyone who knew Fran has the strength to remember his love for life and find comfort in that. Robert needs our prayers in his struggle to cope without Fran. On these sunny, beautiful days of spring, I sit on my wooden bench carved with hummingbirds (Fran simply loved this bench!!) and feel the warmth of crazy,silly...silly,crazy Fran.

robert regalbuto

March 17, 2006

well, has it been 2 years? time has gone by so fast.it was like yesterday that i said good by 4 the last time to my best friend and partner, it has been a tough 2 years with out him, i depended on frank 4 so much! so many things n our life i have taken for granted, always thinkingthere will be anotherr tomorrow, so many things left unsaid between us.itt is so true u should appreciate what u have.i have had to take this journey with rich almost alone. im doing better than i thought i would. our house is paid off now n we added the attic to our master bedroom n put n a bathroom there. i still fell very depressed sometimes, looking at hsi room when we have our meals, sometimes its like a dream. i know i will always wonder to my self, "what if....."rest in peace frank, u have always been in my thouights, love rob

robert regalbuto

November 19, 2005

its been a while since i visited this site, guess no one else has either. i still miss frank very much.i went n to clean his room the other day. i had a strange feeling doing that. i heave been thinking if i will decorate 4 christmas this year,we did this together 4 almost 30 years n i never did it myself. i would usually start it by bringing everything out n let him do it! lol.im so sloppy at stuff i do, so he would tell me to go do something n he would take care of it.i did put candy cans on( the ones i did not eat). so this will b a new experience 4 me. we finally took down the drapes on the front windows n washed them. rich n i studied the way frank put them up so we could get it right. we know nothing about decorating, we always left it to frank to do.i had to go get curtains for our new bedroom addition, we broke through the wall n the attic n made our bedroom twice the size. ( this was something frank wanted to do) , they put n a new window. i had to find something to cover it so we went to a couple stores n was more confused than ever. neither of us ever bought a curtain or hung them either!one lady we talked to quoted us a price of $300 to make WINDOW TREATMENTS to fit the window. rich told here" miss, we dont want window treatments, how much to get curtains"lol. shows how much we know about decorating,i ended, finding 2 spring form rods n his room with some shears he had n his closet n did the best i could. it sure dont look like what he would of did but it did not cost $300 n our bedroom window is now covered.Frank, i really could have used u advice on this. little simple things like that make me so appreciate what u did for me all these years. love rob ps, ritann, i would love to hear from u 302-322-4003 rob

robert regalbuto

April 30, 2005

did a little straighting up in Franks room the other day. trying to get all his medical info n file it away.my goodness, going through his notes n papers,, i found so many things that i wrote to him or he to me. he saved everything!its a slow process doing this, i can't do things n his room but for short peroids of time because i get too depressed.some days his room smells so strong like him.i say " frank, are u there? please send me a sign.". the flowers are coming up, he would have loved it. many of his plantings r really comming back. he would have enjoyed sittting on the deck , drinking diet pepsi and telling me how beautiful the sky was orhow the bushes will grow and cover the fence. i wish i had half his talent. there are times when i still feel half a person with him not being here, and i jsut say to myself why did this happen? guess there is no answer.i am very lonley now in delaware. most of my days are spent alone at home when i get home from work. and since i don't drive yey, i am trapped here unless Rich is home to take me some where. rich took me to philly in march 4 my procedure at the hospital, every thing came back ok,and saw my mom 4 the first time since frank passed. he use to take me down every couple weeks to see here and we would get hot dogs from " the greeks" with the works! and get pastries from Potitos bakery.he had to taste, " just a little of everything"I miss those times so much!recently heard Dina passed in california, another friend passing young. just wynn, brie , and joe left! all the people i know now. i guess i should have tried to make more friends when i was younger but i wraped my life around Frank and then Rich and had no time for anyone else. so i guess its kind of my fault now that i am so lonley here n delaware.would love to hear from some friends, even some who posted here before. later rob

robert regalbuto

March 26, 2005

well, tomorrow is easter and a year has past since frank has gone. i found some of his recepies and i made his pineapple bread, broccoli and cheese cassarole and sweet potatoe cassarole for easter, i felt good to follow his recepies in his handwriting.(how much is a pinch?) lol!holidays weigh heavy on me as i fell like i am alone with no one top talk to about frank.i got a call from california, yesterday, Dina passed away in the morning. another friend gone now. for those of u who do not know her, dina was franks friend along with Brie for many years and he moved to california with her for about 6 months before he came back home. this past year is filled with loses, frank, nick ,alex, and now dina, linda the year before, all young too, it makes u think about life and where u fit in to the grand plan.so i guess easter rich and i will have our easter dinner an watch movies and relax.i wish so hard that frank was still here with us, just don't seem fair or right, i ask friends to contact me to say hello. 302-322-4003. and ritanne call me if u get a chance. thank you, robert

robert regalbuto

March 18, 2005

wow, today is the day, wynn called me today and that felt good, i hardly slept last night and was in the hospital yesterday morning 4 a procedure, i remember last year like it happined yesterday. last night a year ago, i left u, frank , ever so hopefull, i got home and went to my room and fell to my knees cryin and asking jesus to get u throught this latest test.i knelt in front of the cross u gave me and just cried and prayed 4 a miracle, when i woke up n the morning a year ago i did the same thing before lia picked me up to take me to see u, except with the priest at the hospital, that was the last time i prayed. i dont think i can again, i feel so bitter about the whole thing/ thank u rita 4 understanding what i am going through, u may be the only one who can appreciate the loss i have. thank u robert

Lia Everett

March 18, 2005

It has been one year without you, Fran. I think about you everyday.The boys talk about you often. We all love and miss you very much.Smile down on us and pray for us.Love, Lia,Rob and the kiddies.

Ritann Gallo

March 18, 2005

Thinking of you today cousin. I am beginning to remember you as you were before your health failed you and know that's the guy who is watching over us(and making a few snide remarks about now and then)(but in a whisper so only the angel standing next to you can hear it) I love you and miss knowing you were but a phone call away. Hope you'll send Robert more strength to help with his heavy heart. How wonderful to be so loved by someone when you were in this world and now as you settle in to your new, ever so peaceful world.

Say hello to my dad if you run into him.

robert regalbuto

March 17, 2005

has it been a year? the time is flying by, sometimes i still think frank will walk out of his room to make some coffee n the morning. it has been a hard year 4 me to cope with his passing, still not able to pray yet. dont know if i ever will! i miss him so much, later, rob

Annamarie Christaldi

March 14, 2005

It has been a year the 18th of March that Fran has left us to be with his Mother and Brother and other family members. Fran we haven't forgotten you. Look over us. We love you. Always, Aunt Anna

robert regalbuto

December 25, 2004

merry christmas frank, weel here it is dec. 25 without frank!. i decided not to celebrate any holidays this year, frank i i always went and got our tree 4 the house and we decorated it, he would have changed the decor of the entire house to match christmas, plus he would have been up all night making his butter cookies, i miss our shrimp meal he would have made christmas eve and opening our presents.htere is no peace 4 me this christmas. i went into his room today and wished him a merry christmas. we just lost a friend nick stella, he was franks friend before i knew frank, we were next door neighbors in phila 4 15 years and i knew him 4 32 years, he was the last link to frank and me. there is no one else who was a friend as long as he was or who knew frank and me from the begining 32 years ago. i feel like my past is being erased from me, almost like it never existed like i dreamed it all!i made a small dinner for me and rich and we are going to watch movies today.but my thoughts are so heavy on frank today. i feel half a person without him. merry christmas, frank, love rob

robert regalbuto

December 15, 2004

it is such a comfort to see some of frank and my friends posting, we remade contact with joe our friend from the early 80 s, and the birthday picture in south philly has gotten some response. i want all of franks and mt friends to know he passed and remember him on this site and to me also, again it really feels good to hear from his friends in the antique world as this was such a big part of his life. guys it still seems so unreal that he is not here with me anymore. we always talked about growing old together and relaxing and reading our books, we loved to sit out back in the summer and drink ice tea and read and listen to the birds sing, or i would blast my dance music and we would go in the pool and just talk and relax,i wish i still had that.its like theres no one to talk to , no one to give me advice, and no one to hollar at me for making noise in the kitchen while he was trying to sleep! lol, frank i miss u so much! love u always, robert

Judy Haines

December 15, 2004

We were so sorry to hear of Franks' death.

We have such fond memories of the special treats he'd share with all at Posh Pomegrande and his smile and wit and talent.

We shared a spectacular meal with him and friends at their home where he was gracious and generous to all. The world is a less sunny place with his passing. Judy Haines and Dan Fiser

Carole Johnson

December 14, 2004

Our heartfelt sympathy to Robert and to Frank's family. Bill and I were so shocked and saddened to learn of Frank's passing sometime after. He was such a sweetheart and so kind and gentle. He and I had such great fun decorating and creating displays at Posh Pomegranate. I loved his smile and we laughed a lot. He was a good cook too and would often bring in delicious dishes to share with all of us. We'll miss him always, especially at holiday time. We have cherished memories of Frank and he'll live on in our hearts. Carole Johnson & Bill Scherzer

Joe Rizzo

December 13, 2004

Happy Belated Birthday Franco,, Your in all my prayers. I miss you dearly, and hope your watching down on all of us. Love Joey xoxo

robert regalbuto

December 12, 2004

happy birthday frank, i can believe how fast time is going by. i still look at your door thinking u will come out and we can read the paper. i am so lonly with out u here. rich misses u too, and our cats also.if there is a heaven please watch out over me and rich and help me cope with my grief which somedays seems unbearable. i love u forever and will never forget you and all we have had together. love robert

Rita Gallo

December 11, 2004

Hey cousin, I am thinking of you today on your birthday. I too cannot believe it has been 9 months since your passing. I know you are probably orchestrating your birthday celebration in heaven and doing all of the cooking too. I feel you watching over us all and I can imagine you are rolling your eyes every so often. And probably whispering some funny critique under your breathe to a neighboring angel. Love you and miss you very much.

Lia Everett

December 11, 2004

It's December 11th.Happy Birthday,brother.Wish you were here to celebrate with me and Aunt Jo.I can't believe it's almost 9 months since your passing.I hope there IS a life after this one and you are all celebrating together.This year's birthdays and holidays won't be the same without you.Rob & the boys & I love and miss you very much.Watch over us from heaven and pray for us.My love to all of you who are missing loved ones at this time of year.Once again a heartfelt thank-you to everyone for all your thoughts and prayers.Love, Lia

Joseph Rizzo

November 22, 2004

I was talking to a friend of mine,, he mention to me that he heard about Franco, I didnt believe it so I had to investigate for myself, when I found out it was Franco, I was very upset , and depressed. It's been sometime since I spoke to Franco. I've been working out alot of problems for myself,,,but I'm very sorry I was'nt their for him,,, He will be in my prayers now and forever. Rob,I'm very sorry ,I know the feeling your going through hang in there. To Lea stay strong and God Bless you and your family. With all my love Joey Rizzo(215)739-4636

Wynne and Joe Terlingo

September 25, 2004

Just a note to say how much we miss Frank and how much a part of our family he was..It was always a special joy and treat when he would come into the city to see us...He so loved being a part of the tranquility of New Castle and so rarely came into the city...My children Kate and Joseph loved Frank dearly and also miss him, as does my Dad Milton..He was a kind and gentle person who would always find time to listen to you and your woes..

robert regalbuto

September 17, 2004

hi everyone, this is my third try at posting this week, hopefully this one makes it in, well its almost 6 months since frank has passed and i am doing better than i thought i would.it is so hard being by myself now since rich works two jobs, its very lonley, i miss frank so much. sometimes i still think when i come down to make my coffee, he will be siting at the counter doing the puzzle,eating his oatmeal, but he isnt.to accept that was very hard to do and i am bacically going throught this alone. just the thought of frank not here with me makes me cry. its like 31 years of love is gone now, im not looking forward to the holdays at all. he would have already changed all the decor of the rooms twice already with new curtains and furniture and such. now everything is just the way he left things. his glasses i took home from the hospital are at his nightstand with the to do lsit he wrote before he went in to the hospital. i wish i was stronger like opther people and just move on but i cant right now. its too much of a void 4 me now. i shve done some positive things, i am learning to drive, he would have loved that, wheni told hin i would learn , he said it was about time! i have also started the atkins diet and have lost 31 pounds so far in 35 days, 40 more to go!, rita and dena, sorry 4 your loss. lia, be patient with me, i am going through so much emotial pain right now, feel free to e mail me guys or call, 302-275-8766, later robert

Dena Vardara

September 9, 2004

I was so sorry to read of your loss, Rita. I, too, lost a brother on August 31st. When I was going through his belongings, I found a picture of my brother Gary and Frank, that was taken on a trip Frank and I took in 1993. I was immediately transported back to that happy year. We had such fun visiting people in Arizona, Utah and California. Frank was wearing one of the "tour" t-shirts we had made for the occasion. Both he and Gary looked so vibrant and full of life. I'll always remember them both that way.

Ritann Gallo

September 8, 2004

This year has been a very difficult year for losses. On July 28th, my mate's brother Dave died unexpectedly at the age of 48. My heart has been so heavy and I felt like coming here and rereading all the lovely sentiments expressed for my cousin Frank. I am hopeful that Frank and Dave have found their way to each other in heaven as I think they would become fast friends. Both were kind, softspoken men with a great sense of humor. I wonder if anyone else checks in here on occasion as I do. I continue to find comfort here. A personal note to Lia and Robert. You have figured out by now that I am not the greatest with the telephone and keeping in touch. I do keep you in my heart and think of you with the wish that you are both finding some peace as you mourn the loss of your dear brother(s) and long time friend. Love to all who come here. Rita

Lia Everett

April 26, 2004

Some days I still can't believe Fran is gone.I get so caught up in the day's activities with my kids that at the end of the day I go to call Fran and realize I can't. I have so many questions for him and so much to tell him--It seems strange not to talk to him everyday. There are memories of him in every room in my house.My son Matthew just made his First Communion last saturday. Fran was so looking forward to it and to seeing everyone. Back in January he had ordered beautiful blue lapis rosary beads for Matthew. I was very happy that he had something from his Uncle Frank and it meant alot to him also.I enjoy reading everyone's heartfelt thoughts about my brother and hope he realized how much he was loved and how special he made everyone feel.Thank you again Ritann & June for sponsoring the site--it is really helping me deal with this great loss.I ask everyone to keep posting your thoughts.Fran, you're always on my mind and always in my heart.I love you and miss you so much!

Dena Vardara

April 26, 2004

Oh Robert, I feel for you so much! I, too, have moments every day when the absence of Frank causes me so much pain. Wherever I go in the course of my day, I see something that reminds me of him. When I hear a good joke I think, "Frank will love this." There are traces of him all over my home...things he gave me, pictures, improvements to the house. We can only believe that, in time, the ache will become more bearable, although it will never go away. I think the best we can do is dwell on the richness he added to our lives that endures, even in his absence. I send you my love and my prayers.

robert regalbuto

April 24, 2004

it's been a little over a month since frank has gone and i miss him so much.he is always on my mind.i miss calling him from the store to see if he wants anything.i miss bringing home all the ice cream 4 him to eat.i missed easter dinner with him.he would have cooked our ham and made me chocolate candy.i miss watching all the antique roadshows with him and yes jerry springer too!i lost interest in all these shows.as many of you know.frank and i met when we were 16 and have hardly been apart for 31 years.so my whole way of life is changed,i don't even feel like me anymore.my link to my youth is gone now and i fell like i am old now.there is hardly anyone to talk to that can relate to what we had together.i took it for granted that we would grow old together in our home in new castle.rich misses him to but does not talk about it.he doesn't talk about his feelings much.i go into his room everyday and say good morning or bye when i leave 4 work.sometimes i don't want to do anything,i feel so numb.rich and i found pictures in his drawer of our back yard and he drew paths and walkways connecting the pool to the front of the house and patio and our walkout.we have contracted with a landscaper to make this a reality!the brick is wonderful.if he was still here he would have been directing the workmen on what to do.frank would never leave a workman to do his job without much imput from him!lol.i wish more of his friends would post to the site and thank his cousin ritann 4 doin this.ritaann,i miss him so much!i am learning to drive. i talked to him about it when he was in the hospital and he loved the idea.had my first lession from lee,i loved it!frank would have said, see,it's not that bad!he felt bad he was too sick to take me to work.well thats all 4 now and i will post some pics next time.later rob

Melissa Everett

April 19, 2004

I have such wonderful (and funny, which tells you the sense of humor Fran possessed) memories of Fran, as everyone who knew him do. Fran was initially known to me as “my sister-in-law’s brother”, but his infectious personality and charisma gradually changed that and soon family gatherings were so much fun because of him. I looked forward to talking to him about anything and everything (he could talk in depth about any topic that came up and made even the dullest of subjects sound fascinating). And his cooking was unbelievable!!! He made the BEST rosette’s I have ever tasted, but everything Fran made was exceptional! He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and love are with Lia. My sister-in-law is by far, the strongest person I know. She was blessed to have had Fran as a brother and he loved her and his nephews so much; you could just feel the love he had for them. Now she has her own personal guardian angel (among her mother, brother and father who all watch over her). I know Fran is watching over her too and taking care of her, and we will do our part down here.

Jacquelyn Krepelka

April 18, 2004

I had the pleasure of knowing Fran (my daughter and Lia are sisters-in-law). His appreciation of the arts and of life were admirable as was his humor and smile. His recipes and love of fine food were a legacy that he and Lia jointly created. He is an irreplaceable uncle and brother. My heart, love and sympathy goes out to his lovely sister Lia and her two sons of whom were very close to their Uncle Fran and better for having him in their lives. And now using the words of Elton John:

And it seems to me you lived your life

like a candle in the wind:

never fading with the sunset

when the rain set in.

And your footsteps will always fall here,

along this earth's greenest hills;

your candle's burned out long before

your memory ever will!

Nick Stella

April 12, 2004

I wish to send my condolances to the family of Frank Tronco and his life long friends Robert & Richard, I know you are experiencing a great loss. May God look over you and give you all strength to accept this monumental loss.

Michelle Casasanto

April 9, 2004

I MET FRAN SHORTLY AFTER I MET MY BEST FRIEND, LIA. ALTHOUGH I DID NOT KNOW FRAN THAT WELL, I KNEW HIM FROM HIS SISTER AND HER STORIES. HE WAS A BEAUTIFUL LIGHT IN LIA'S EYES. MY GRANDMOTHER ALWAYS SAID "GOD ALWAYS TAKES THE GOOD ONES YOUNG BECAUSE THEY NEED TO BE GUARDIAN ANGELS". MAY GOD SHINE PERPETUAL LIGHT UPON YOU, FRAN, AND KNOW YOU WERE SO VERY LOVED ON THIS EARTH. PLEASE BE STRONG, MY DEAREST FRIEND, LIA.

Ritann Gallo

April 8, 2004

I stop by here daily to read new entries and sometimes reread the old ones. The love I feel for Frank in all of the words is overwhelming. You have all brought tears to my eyes and a smile on my face within seconds. Keep writing. Keep telling your Frank tales. Bet he's telling stories about all of us to some other angels right about now.

Cousin Marc

April 7, 2004

MY COUSIN/BROTHER FRAN. Wildwood, x-mas, Thanksgivings,runaways (yes I would runaway from home and go right to my grandparent's house. Why? To hang with my cousins Antonio and Fran. When it snowed we would shovel pavements, make some money and then go to 17th and Mifflin (Marotta Bros.) to buy sandwiches. No money saved those days. Inseparable we were; Antonio, Fran, my brother Steve, and I. There are so many memories that it would take three days to list. We were mischevious to say the least. As kids and young adults we were not only cousins but brothers. Mess with one you messed with all. But as life has it we went our seprerate ways. Over the last couple of years it was not visits but phone calls. But we kept in touch, never forgeting our upbringing. My brother, may you rest in peace...Thank you for being in my life and thank you for all the great times.

Linda Blanding-Wilson

April 6, 2004

Franco, I will miss you dearly. Even when too much time would pass between my visits to the house, your warm embraces and funny conversation made it so nice to play catch up. I will always remember your kind words and the great advice you gave me during one of the most difficult times of my life. May God Bless You and Keep You Safe in Heaven...My condolences to my dear friends Rich and Rob as you find peace and comfort during this difficult time. I Love You.

Donna Fabrizio

April 5, 2004

FRAN WILL BE DEEPLY MISSED BY ALL WHO KNEW HIM. LIA, FRAN'S SISTER, IS MY DEAR, BEST FRIEND. WE ALL WOULD SHARE GREAT LAUGHS AT FAMILY BIRTHDAY PARTIES, AND SPECIAL OCCASIONS. FRAN WAS GREAT FOR "ONE LINERS". HE ALWAYS MADE ME LAUGH. HE WAS SUCH A NEAT GUY. HE WAS SO CRAFTY, AND ALWAYS HAD NEAT IDEAS. FRAN WAS ALWAYS INVITING US OVER, AND I REGRET TO SAY, WE WAITED TOO LONG TO MAKE OUR TRIP. WE KNOW FRAN WILL WATCH OVER HIS SISTER, LIA. HIS EYES SHOWED THE LOVE AND RESPECT HE HAD FOR HER. A LITTLE SENTIMENT I ONCE READ FITS FRAN PERFECTLY....."some people touch our lives, and some people leave footprints on our hearts, and touch our lives forever. FRAN WAS ONE SUCH MAN.

June Shannehan

April 4, 2004

In the fall of 1998, Frank Tronco decided that he wanted to re-acquaint himself with his cousin, Rita. To my delight, I, too, had the good fortune to spend some time with this gentle, yet very humerous man.

We three embarked on a weekend full of sightseeing, long talks, and lots of laughs.

Following that weekend, I had two additional occasions to vist with Frank, and continued to enjoy his company even more.

I feel lucky to have had the opportunity to meet Frank, and although he will be greatly missed, his friendship left me with fond memories that I will treasure.

Aunt Jo Tomiselli

April 4, 2004

"Frank Tronco" my godchild and nephew. I remember the day you were born, Dec. 11th, 1956. As you grew up I enjoyed your company many times. We both had an interest in Antiques and discussed many items. I remember when you owned the Antique shop "Renaissance". I stopped by frequently to see the interesting collections and purchased many items that I still own today. I hope you rest in peace, with all who have gone before you. You are missed dearly.

Love, Aunt Jo

Ron Christaldi

April 4, 2004

Fran's passing at such a young age is nothing short of tragic. I pray that he is reunited with his mother, father and brother in heaven. I know that my aunt Rose loved him very much and would be thrilled to be with him again. As a cousin, Fran's passing is a reminder to me that we as family need to make a stong effort to ramain close with one another and to make the most of the time that we have.

Francis, Antonio and Ritann circa 1966

April 3, 2004

Cathy Everett

April 3, 2004

Fran sister Lia is married to my son Rob. We always thought of Fran as part of our family. He was always included in our family gatherings. The last time Fran was at my house was in May of 2003 for my surprise retirement party given by my family. I remember Fran making the rosette cookies that I like so much. He was a great cook and a wonderful person. I remember he gave me some lottery scratch off for my party and I told him if I hit it big, we would share it. Needless to say, we did not, but we all hit it big knowing Fran. We will all miss him very much.

chris wyatt

April 2, 2004

Firstly, I would like to send my condolences to all of Frank's living loved ones. I pray that the fond memories of Frank will bring us all comfort and provide us with inspiration for our own lives. Frank loved life and knew how to truly enjoy it. Frank seemed to enjoy nothing greater than to see other people be happy. He was unselfish. I witnessed him many a-times giving away nice items to people at the flea market we would be set up at together. Frank could care less about the money for the wares he sold; he liked to sell SMILES. I have enjoyed many awesome meals prepared by Frank, and believe me, they all would give Emeril a run for his money. My family sends its prayers to all of you in Frank's immediate and extended family. I pray that Frank is at peace and enjoying his life in the next world. I will always remember his kindness. God Bless You All.

Sincerely,

Chris Wyatt

Howard Eichler

April 1, 2004

Although I did not know Frank very well, to know he was such an important part of two of my closet friends lives tells me what a special person he was...My condolences go out to his entire family and all that knew him...

Lia Everett

March 31, 2004

My brother Fran touched many lives--he was a very special part of my life.As most of you know, the last few years were very trying for us--we lost many loved ones in our immediate family. Through it all, Fran and I grew even closer. He was not only my brother but my friend.I loved him dearly.I feel like I lost a part of myself.He had so much knowledge about our family history,cooking like my grandmother and mother,decorating,fixing things around the house and he baked the best biscotti and cheesecakes EVER!!!Any question I had,he knew the answer or knew where to find it.I feel lost without him.His nephews miss him very much too--Uncle Frank was always watching cartoons and playing games with them.I especially miss talking to him everyday.I would like to thank everyone for thier heartfelt thoughts and prayers and tremendous generosity.A very special Thank You to Rob & Rich for loving and taking care of my brother like family.God Bless You All!You are always in my heart, Fran.

Aunt Annamarie Christaldi

March 31, 2004

When my sister Rosie brought Fran home from the hospital, there was excitement throughout the house. I watched him grow up. He was an adorable child. I was very close with him and am sorry our closeness was by phone only after my move to Florida. I was shocked at how ill he was and wish I could have helped make him better. He is with his mother and brother Antonio and the rest of his family. My heart aches for Lia, losing her whole family within five years. Fran look over us and give us all strenth to go on.

robert regalbuto

March 31, 2004

what can i say, I met frank when we were 16 years old.he worked in a candy store down the street from me.i found him to be different.we fell in love,worked hard and got an apartment and then a home in south philly.anyone who was a guest in our home was amazed how frank could decorate it.he could paint and redo a dining room in 1 night never going to sleep,just drinking strong coffee and listining to Laura Nyro on cassette.we were a couple for about 18 years and were best of friends after that too ,except when frank moved to cali 4 almost a year we always lived together,i guess we could never let each other go ,i never stopped loving him and he always loved me.there is nothing he wouldn't do for me and i for him.we shared so many interests together,egyptian art,foreign movies, going to see the salsoul orchestra and the tramps ,dance music, wildwood at his grandmothers house culture club, and the 70's and 80's music.we went through the disco years, the new wave, punk,glitter, and dance music years.when i met rich, frank welcomed him into our home and made him part of our family.the 3 of us lived together in philly and when rich and i bought a home in delaware,we asked frank if he wanted to come with us,he did not think 4 a minute and said yes. frank loved delaware and loved our house .rich and i will be celebrating our 15th year together in april.the last year from aug of 2003 was hard for us,with frank in and out of the hospital and fighting to get him medicaid so he could get the health care he needed.it all happined so fast a little over 3 weeks ago, we thought he was coming home in a few days, the last operation on his lungs seemed to help. rich and i were looking forward to him comming home to stay.it was a shock when his systems started to fail. the 3 of us were not aware he was near death.when i got the call he was in intensive care i could not believe it!i just seen him the other day and he was up and walking around and very hungry.he missed his home and his garden and his cats and us and wanted to come home.it still seems like a nightmare i am in and i wish i could wake up and have frank and me sitting out on our deck out back looking at the birds in his birdhouses and the sun setting and just felling good to be so blessed.he last days on earth were sad for us. he passed sourounded by me and rich and his sister lia and my sister and brother in law.he took his last breath looking deep into my eyes holding my hand with me stroking his face, telling him how much i love him and will never forget him. i saw the same in his eyes.when we were told that frank was critical i got down on my hands and knees and screamed for jesus to please save him,i begged and cried , said my rosary and our fathers and hail marys just like sister taught us in school. i begged and prayed for Jesus to give us a miracle and let frank live. i was positive till the last day when i seen his kidneys working at just 20%.well,no miracles were granted that day and now here i am writing this. how do i get over the loss?we lived together 30 years,shared everything and never stopped loving each other.frank was the link to my youth, my growing up and my adulthood,who else can i talk to about camping out at the tower theater 4 Bowie tickets or dancing at second story club and oz and kurts.or the hundreds of rock concerts we attended and just growing up into adults together.his cat just looks at me and stares and walks back and forth and i just pick cosmo up and tell him ,i know, we miss him.i feel lost and in a lot of pain now and i know it will get worse before it gets better.part of me died with frank on thursday night,it still doesn't seem real and i feel numb and almost not here sometimes.how can i explain to someone who did not know us,what frank and i ment to each other, we built a life time of dreams and memories together and now after 31 years living together,i have been cut off from half of my memories and the things frank and i experienced together are rolling before me over and overin my mind.can't i just wake up and come down in the morning and see him doing the puzzle?please! I thank god that i have rich and we have to get through this together .he is strong enough 4 both of us.but i can't help but thinking ,frank got delt a lousy hand by the man upstairs.any one who has met frank has been touched by him nad will have good memories of him.but i would like to say, if there is a here after and frank is looking down on me right now from heaven, just wanted to say what i always said to u."I never stopped loving u and will always take care of u"

March 28, 2004

Carmen Trunk

March 23, 2004

I am shocked and saddened by the death of Franz.I have not spoken with him in a couple of years.Time and distance have always prevented a close relationship between us, but I will always remember him as a kind, gentle and caring cousin, and I will miss his smile.

I pray that Lea will find the strength to carry on.

God bless you Franz.

Marylynn Kulp-Harvey

March 23, 2004

...His gentle, kindred spirit will be with me forever-cousin Fran touched my heart with joy and laughter. ...Truly a pal who will be sadly missed.

Dena Vardara

March 22, 2004

Frank was my best friend. Making him laugh was one of my favorite things to do. He got me through some of the worst times of my life and celebrated with me the best times. I don't know how to begin to carry on without him. The world is diminished because he is gone...but it is still a better place because he was here.

George Kulp

March 21, 2004

I never got the chance to spend much time with cousin Fran, but I am very sad to hear of his passing. In the few brief moments I spent with Fran over the years, I knew him to be a gentle, caring man. His memory will always hold a warm place in my heart. Godspeed cousin.

Kathy Rice

March 20, 2004

Frank had the most infectious sense of humor and good heart of anyone I've known. Making him laugh was one of my favorite past times. He was a kind and gentle man, who cared deeply about people and the world in which he lived. He will be sorely missed, and his memory will stay with me always.

Ritann Gallo

March 20, 2004

Whether you knew him as Francis, Fran, Franz, Franco or Frank, he was worth knowing. His quick wit and demostrative eyes could win you over in a heartbeat. I am blessed to have had the pleasure of knowing him and being loved by him. You will forever have a spot in my heart my dear cousin. Rest in peace. xo Rita

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