Ernest P. Frocione's Obituary
Ernest P Frocione 89, of North Andover passed away at home on Jun 21st surrounded by his loved ones. Ernie was born in Syracuse, New York on December 12, 1933, to Italian immigrants Dominick and Maria Stirpe Frocione of Frosinone Italy. He was the last of the Frocione Super 7. Ernie was the loving husband to Constance “Dee Dee” (Tumolo), with whom he celebrated 67 years of marriage. He cherished his 5 children and was a stellar role model. Ernie was a veteran who honorably served state side in the Army during the Korean War, achieving the rank of Corporal. He loved his country and was a true patriot, he proudly flew the American Flag and frequently engaged in sharing amazing stories of his service. Ernie was fondly known as “The Big E” and enjoyed the nickname “Mr. Hollywood” awarded him by his sisters.
It was in the Army where Ernie became a butcher, which catapulted him into a very successful career in the Meat industry. He was a brilliant businessman, dealmaker and entrepreneur. He always credited the Army for giving him his start in business. Over the years he served as Director of Meat Operations for Chicago Markets, Loblaws and Tops Supermarket. Prior to his retirement Ernie was the proprietor of Frocione’s Butcher Block, where he engaged the talents of his sons and worked side by side with them every day, as well as Frocione Associates Meat Brokerage located in the North End of Boston.
Ernie loved golf and was a member of Andover Country Club until he retired to Hobe Sound in 1987. He was a member of Lost Lake Golf Club where he continued to pursue his passion for golf. Ernie was a master with plants, trees and flowers. He enjoyed sharing his plant and tree cuttings with his family and neighbors. If you were to take a walk around Lost Lake you could admire the fruits of his labor.
Ernie enjoyed traveling with Connie to Italy, Greece, Paris, Monte Carlo, Hawaii, Las Vegas, and California, yet his favorite travels included family vacations to Salisbury Beach, MAand Lake Sunapee where he loved watching the amazing sunsets on his daughter Cathy’s porch. Ernie had a passion for cooking Sunday dinners, his meatballs and sauce were favorites of his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. When Ernie moved his family from Syracuse to Williamsville, NY, he promised his father he would bring his family back to Syracuse every Sunday for Sunday dinner… he always kept his promise.
Ernie was preceded in death by his siblings Yolanda (Phil) Santoloce, Americo (Jean) Frocione, Orlando (Mary) Frocione, Edith (Joe) Nett, Anita (Carmen) Spinoso , Rita (Nick) Leogrande and Teresa Frocione. Ernie is survived by his wife, Constance (Tumolo) Frocione, Children, Dominick (Susan) Frocione of Tewksbury MA,
Catherine (0llie) Fayton, of Newbury NH, Celeste (Kevin) Begley of Haverhill MA, Ernie Jr. (Sheila)Frocione of Canton GA and David Frocione (Joan Price) of Stuart FL.
Grandchildren, Adam, Emily, Evan, Joseph, Thomas, Kelly, Bobby, Kristin and Travis. Great Grandchildren: Jack, Ben and Cooper and several nieces and nephews.
The Frocione family would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the angels at Elara Caring for the tender care given to Ernie, making it possible for him to spend his last few weeks at home with his family at his side. We would also like to thank Maria from Associated Home Care who went above and beyond and could always get a big smile from Ernie!
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday August 26th at 11:00 am Spring Grove Cemetery, 5 Spring Gove Road, Andover, MA
Assisting the family with services is John Breen Memorial Funeral Home – 35 Merrimack Street,
North Andover, MA 01845 www.breenfuneralhome.com
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