Francesco “Frank” Ferrentino, 71, passed away peacefully on February 5, 2024, with his loving family by his side.
Born on March 7, 1952, in Bracigliano, Italy, he was the son of the late Giuseppe and Fortunata (Crescenzo) Ferrentino and son-in-law of the late Giovanni and Maria Gisolfi.
Frank served in the Italian military before marrying his best friend and love of his life, Angelina (Gisolfi) in 1974. Their love story continued as they settled in Springfield and started their family. He worked for Smith and Wesson and established Tony’s Pizza & Restaurant with his wife and brother-in-law, Aniello Gisolfi in 1979, where he retired in 2023. Frank was known for his passion in cooking, his love for his family, his calm demeanor and giving heart. He loved watching Italian soccer games and driving around with his grandchildren on his red Vespa and in his red Honda convertible. He enjoyed making Italian salami, wine and fresh bread which are now family traditions. He grew fig trees in the garden with his family and collected chestnuts with his grandchildren. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and will be deeply missed.
He leaves his loving wife of 49 years, Angelina; son Joe Ferrentino and wife Enza of East Longmeadow, daughter Tina Russo and husband Bruno of Agawam, daughter Joanne Izzo and husband Gino of East Longmeadow, daughter Sonia Vivenzio and husband Joe of Longmeadow, daughter Silvana Rickis and husband Aaron of Longmeadow, son Frankie Ferrentino and wife Marissa of Longmeadow; grandchildren Antonio, Anna, Frankie, Johnny, Antonio, Alfonso, Gino, Giuseppe, Filomena, AnnaMaria, Mattea, Luca, Vincenzo and Francesca; sisters Annunziata Canfora and husband Salvatore, Michelina Sarno and husband Claudio of Italy; brother in-law Aniello Gisolfi and wife Diana; nieces, nephews, and their families Paola, Monica, Alessandro, Luisa, Veronica, Maria, Johnny and Angelina; late aunt and uncle Annunziata & Giovanni Giordano; cousins Rosario Giordano and wife Anna, Antoinette Blake and late husband Robert, Amedeo Giordano and wife Dee; many cousins and close friends.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday, February 11th from 1-4 p.m. at Tazzini Funeral Home, 22 Locust St., Springfield. The funeral will be held on Monday, February 12th at 9 a.m. at the Funeral Home, followed by Mass at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 123 William St., Springfield at 10 a.m. with entombment in St. Michael the Archangel Mausoleum, Springfield.
Memorial contributions may be made to the D ’Amour Center for Cancer Care in Springfield.
Please visit http://www.TazziniFuneralHome.com
for condolences.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Frank was such a sweet man. My family and I have been going to Tony's pizza for almost 40 years. Frank always greeted me with a smile and asked how I was. And he cooked the best veal parm plus others that my family have come to love through the years.
He will b missed by my whole family we feel your pain Nicole Tom Jr Richard and myself Tom Sr LaFleur. Another great guy gone.
Frank (and Aniello) was a giant for a little kid who spent many evenings stopping in after hockey practice or simply just when he and his dad were passing by. I remember how warm and friendly and welcoming Frank was. He’d bring me into the kitchen while he was tossing dough, and he loved when I came back one year after having studied in Italy and could speak Italian with him.
To have an adult take interest in you like he did was really special. On behalf of the entire Johnston family, sending love and thanks for sharing this wonderful man with the world. May his example live on in all of us.
He will be missed so much my family always has our gatherings there, we would all talk to him. I’m so sorry to hear that my condolences
Growing up I am forever great full to have met such a wonderful family with good food friends and memories I will always remember. Prayers & condolences.
Love Nonie