Frank Calvanese

It is with sadness that we announce that Frank Calvanese, 66, of Rockford, passed away on Monday, September 8, 2025, surrounded by family. 

Frank was born in Aragona, Sicily on January 14, 1959, the son of Vincenzo and Assunta (Seminerio) Calvanese. He married Anna Maria Milone on September 2, 1989, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church where him and his family are longtime members. Frank came to America at the age of 8 with his mother and brother to reunite with his father, who had already begun building a new life for his family. From a young age, Frank embraced hard work and wore many hats, exploring various trades. In time, he discovered his true passion—food and hospitality. At just 18 years old, Frank opened his first restaurant with his uncle, Bino. Shortly after, he went on to open another restaurant of his own. He later partnered with his uncle Iggy and uncle Carl to establish the well-known Little Italy in 1978, which would eventually become Little Italy / Deli Italia in 1996. In 2000, with the support of his wife, Anna, he expanded once again and opened Deli Italia 2—a beloved family business that continues to thrive today. Frank’s love for food and music filled his days with happiness. Always in good spirits, he could often be found singing, strumming his guitars, and sharing his joy with others. He was deeply proud to see his children follow their dreams and become entrepreneurs, a reflection of the determination and dedication he lived by every day. 

Above all else, Frank devoted himself to his family, always putting them first. He was a man full of great ideas and future plans, and though his time with us feels far too short, we are committed to honoring him by carrying forward his dreams. Frank’s legacy will live on through the love he gave, the music he played, the meals he shared, and the countless lives he touched. He will be remembered with love and cherished forever by his family and all who knew him. 

Surviving relatives include his loving wife, Anna Calvanese; children, Vincenzo and Gabriella Calvanese; brother, Maurice Calvanese; sister-in-law, Lucia (Marshall) Hauge, nephews, Nicholas (Kiya) Hauge and Michael Hauge; loving aunt, Paola Salamone; numerous cousins, dear friends as well as his beloved dog, Buddy. Frank is predeceased by his parents, Vincenzo and Assunta Calvanese; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Vincenzo and Caterina Milone.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the time of a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 15, 2025, at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 1010 Ferguson St. in Rockford, with Father Carl Beekman officiating. Interment will conclude at Sunset Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. 

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