Francis A. "Frank" Pinto

1928 - 2018

Pinto, Francis A. "Frank"
Our Lord called his reverent servant, Frank Pinto, into perpetual rest on July 5, 2018. He spent his last moments on earth surrounded by his closest friends and family. Born in a closely knit Italian immigrant enclave in the Hill Section of New Haven on February 12, 1928, son of the late Michael and Pauline Cardinuto Pinto, Frank spent the majority of his 90 years as a New Haven resident. After attending Hillhouse High School, Frank enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, meritoriously and gallantly contributing to the World War II effort. He often reflected on this chapter of his life with jealous regard as it perpetuated the deep patriotism he imparted on his friends and family. His formal military training as a combustion engine mechanic eased his transition to civilian life and afforded him the opportunity to continue doing what he loved. For more than 50 years he owned A and P motors in West Haven, CT. Settling in the Morris Cove Section of New Haven, Frank remained a pillar of the community. A devout Catholic and member of Saint Bernadette Church Parish, he attended mass daily until his health precluded his doing so. Even then, fellow parishioners brought him communion regularly. Frank loved wine, his Italian heritage, chatting with neighbors, buying/selling cars, and spending time with those closest to him. He imparted his gems of wisdom on those around him through many valuable lessons, most notably: love your country, family is the most important thing in the world, good company makes bad wine palatable, don't steal fried chicken, and never cheat at cards. Anyone who has ever eaten Sunday dinner on his back deck overlooking Long Island Sound can attest. Frank exuded passion in everything he did, especially going out for pizza, going furniture shopping, or watching his beloved New York Yankees. Frank is predeceased by his wife Margaret Pinto, daughter Deborah Ann Brill, and brother Michael Pinto. He is survived by his daughter Francine Pinto; long-time loving companion Rosemary Spring; almost daughters Carol (David) Cyr and Debra (Robert) Forster and son-in-law Christopher Brill. Also survived by his grandchildren Arthur and Michael DeCato, Samantha and Gabrielle D'Errico, Julia Cyr, Carolyn Levy, Robert and Nicholas Forster, and Katie Gould and great grandchildren Emmaleigh, Dominic, and Daphne Decato, his beloved dog Diogi, and many nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours will be held Sunday from 4-7 p.m. in the MONAHAN, COX, SMITH & CRIMMINS FUNERAL HOME, INC. 11 Wooster Place. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday morning at 11:30 in St. Bernadette Church, 385 Townsend Ave., New Haven. (Please meet directly at church.) Burial with military honors will follow in St. Lawrence Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation- Finance Dept., 30 East 33rd St., New York, NY 10016.