Frank Siracusa Obituary

FRANK SIRACUSA, 88 BELVIDERE - Frank Siracusa, 88, of Belvidere, passed away Wednesday, February 11, 2015, in his home, with his family by his side. Born November 25, 1926, in Rochester, NY, the son of John and Mary (Bondi) Siracusa. Frank was a 1945 East High School graduate. He served in the United States Navy during WWII aboard the USS John P. Gray. He was a 1950 graduate of University of Missouri. Frank was employed with Jefferson High School most of his teaching career, where he was head of the department of Industrial Arts. He retired June 6, 1986. Frank was a very involved coach and worked closely with the football, basketball, and track programs at Jefferson High School. He was inducted into the Illinois Basketball coaches Association Hall of Fame as a "friend" of basketball in 1997. He is survived by his son, Chuck (Shari) Siracusa; grandchild, Tony (Ashlei); and sister, Mary. Predeceased by his parents; son, John; and brothers, Charles and John. Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, February 14, 2015, in Olson Funeral & Cremation Services, Ltd., Fred C. Olson Chapel, 1001 Second Ave., Rockford, IL, with Father Steven Lange officiating. Visitation will be from 1 to 1:45 p.m. prior to the service in the chapel. Memorials to Jefferson High School Booster Club, 4145 Samuelson Rd., Rockford, IL 61109. Arrangements by Olson Funeral & Cremation Services, Ltd. To share a memory or online condolence, visit olsonfh.com.

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Published by Rockford Register Star from Feb. 12 to Feb. 13, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Frank Siracusa

10 Entries

Gennaro Capone

February 6, 2020

My condolences to all of Frank's loved ones. He was one of my favorite people at Jefferson Jr High and in our neighborhood.

Burnie Turner

February 17, 2015

Frank was more than just a teacher to me. He believed in me and brought out talents that have served me well my entire life.

Tim Bederka

February 16, 2015

Mr. Siracusa was my teacher back in the day at Jefferson. I was in 8th grade and I am 60 now. Not sure if he learned me anything but he tried. I didn't have a choice to argue because he was much bigger than I. Thanks Mr. Siracusa for some memories I have from then. Espeacially when I ran into you in the hall as I tried to escape form a class. You where a BIG guy to run into. LOL God Bless

Todd Frisella

February 14, 2015

My condolences Chuck and Shari.

Bob Reesor

February 13, 2015

Mr. Siracusa was my neighbor for over 18 years. He was the nicest person you would ever meet. He gave so much of his time to Jefferson High School and anyone who needed a hand. He could fix anything and would often help people who could not afford to do repairs themselves. He built a lot of things for the school yet never took credit for doing it. Mr. Siracusa was a true
gentleman and will be missed.

Ed Hearyman

February 13, 2015

Chuck and Shari,
Sorry to hear about your loss. Our hearts and prayers are
with you and your family. I have many fond memories of your dad keeping our book and doing our stat's for the Jefferson
Basketball program. He was family and truly a great person.
We were blessed to have him a part of the basketball program.

Coach Ed Hearyman

Pat and Jim

February 13, 2015

You have found the peace you deserve and may God Bless your family and give then comfort and peace

Kelley D. Ellison

February 13, 2015

THis is certainly bad news. Mr. Siracusa was so inspiration for me, a mentor, but most of all a friend. After I graduated, I would stop by and see him regularly as I could. I remember when he said her was Retiring and I couldn't believe it. To say he had an influence on me is an understatement. I spent many years in the trades, and I can remember when I was doing something wrong, whether it was set up, or maching...I could here him tell me "THat's NOT the way I taught you!" Later on in my High School tears, I would go in on the breaks we had at Christmas and Easter...not because I was in jeopardy of failing....but because of his teachings. I was putting the lunchroom tables that broke, spending hours brazing them together. Later on I was a Student Assitant when the teachers were debating where or not to discontinue the practice, Mr. Siracusa was the FIRST to raise his hand and flat out told them that he couldn't do what he did teaching the younger classmen without my help. It freed him up to do his other jobs more efficiently. He even told Mr. Hart about my efforts and coming in on the breaks....and Mr. Hart himself wrote me a thank you letter. I was one of the few four-year students he had at the time, as most transferred to Votech, but I had Welding there so I stayed in the shop all four years. By the senior year, while I made projects, most of it was helping teach, and the affore mentioned welding/brazing. Like I said, as time went on, I was more than a Student, or a helper...We were friends! Even thought I hadn't seen him in a long time, his teaching and fellowship stay with me to this day. I am truly saddned by the news..adn my prayers go to his Family. He was a GREAT teacher and Friend.....and I will miss hime

Jeep Capone

February 12, 2015

My condolences to Franks family. He was one of my favorite teachers. He will be missed.

February 12, 2015

A good teacher but more important, a good man. God bless. Steven S.

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