Frank Anthony Langone, Jr., 79, passed away February 13, 2021 at Mercy Medical Center after his courageous battle with the Covid-19 virus.
Born in Springfield, he was the son of the late Frank A. Langone of Springfield and Theresa M. (Camerota) Langone, of Atena Lucana, Italy.
Frank graduated from Trade High School in 1959 with a concentration in sheet metal. In the early 1960’s Frank and his brother Anthony ran their father’s business, Langone Oil, while also doing machine work at Smith & Wesson and Springfield Wire. After taking horticulture classes at UMass Amherst, he built a greenhouse in his backyard on Vermont Street and successfully sold flowers for several years before opening the Langone’s Florist on Main Street in Springfield in 1970 with his first wife Janet (Walsh) Langone. During this time, he was a foreman for the City of Springfield in charge of the greenhouse and gardens at Forest Park. Afterwards, Frank along with his mother and his wife, Irma (Ronghi) Langone, built the Flower Shop into a thriving business for over 50 years.
When Frank was not working, he loved spending time with his family at the Connecticut shore and fishing offthe “Lil’ Irma II.” He enjoyed woodworking, furniture making, and loved date nights with Irma at the Connecticut & Florida casinos. He was an avid reader of all things related to history, science, and philosophy.
Frank took great pride in serving his community. He was a steward for AFL-CIO, active in the Italian Cultural Center and Sons of Italy, a board member on the South End Action Committee, and a member of the Longmeadow Chapter of UNICO, of which he was named, “Man of the Year 2020.” He was also a strong supporter for The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind.
Frank leaves the love of his life of 44 years, Irma, his children Alberta Mendenhall, Anne-Marie Albano & husband William, Saveria Graves & husband John, Laurie Cremmen & husband Shane, Gina Finnegan & husband Paul, and Frank A. Langone, III, beloved grandchildren Dominic & Mario Fierro, Katerina (Albano) Lundh & husband Evan, Michaela & William Albano II, Savannah Szefel, Elizabeth & Shane Cremmen, Jr., Michael, Joseph & John Finnegan, and Frank A. Langone IV & Nicholas Langone. He leaves his “baby” brother and friend, Anthony Langone & wife Colomba, brothers-in-law Mario & wife Mena, and Guido of Naples, Italy, sister-in-law Lilliana of Naples, Italy, many nieces & nephews, and his dear friends of more than 65 years, lovingly known as “The Forest Park Gang.”
Along with his parents, Frank was predeceased by older brothers, Vincent Langone & wife Anne-Marie, Joseph Langone, nephew Frank V. Langone, and in-laws Ugo, Pasquale, Nunzia, & Vanda Ronghi.
Frank’s wife and family are deeply grateful for the compassionate care given by the Mercy Medical healthcare providers and nursing staff.
Frank was proud of the commitment and support of the Langone’s Florist staff, who he considered family.
Family and friends are invited to Frank's Funeral Mass on Saturday, February 20, 1 p.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 123 William St. in Springfield. Masks and social distancing required. His burial will be private.
Memorial contributions may be made to Shriner's Hospital for Children, 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104.
Please visit www.TazziniFuneralHome.com for condolences.