Francesco Di Spirito

Francesco DiSpirito of Mount Vernon NY passed away peacefully with family by his side at Calvary Hospice Hospital in the Bronx NY, Friday January 31, 2025 at 96 years old. Francesco was born March 1, 1928 in Guardia Lombardi, Provincia Avellino, Italy to Antonio and Immacolata (Tudisco). He was 1 of 10 children, and the fifth oldest. One child died at birth and 3 died very young due to illness. He was also predeceased by Alessandro, Mariangela Portanova, Giuseppe, and Abramo. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Giovanna (DiMatteo). Daughters Giuseppina (Josephine) Carillo (married to Angelo), Antoinette (Nina) Papasidero (married to Salvatore), Liliana Pugliese (married to Jay). His sister Pierina Gianetti and her husband Giovanni, and his sister-in-law Helen DiSpirito. Grandchildren Rosanna Russo, Gianfranco, Maria McGuire (married to Jake), Sandra, Francesco, and Lorenzo. Great grand-daughter Angela. And many nieces and nephews in the US, Canada and France. Francesco and Giovanna began as neighbors. They married January 29, 1956 in Guardia Lombardi, Italy. They had their first two daughters Giuseppina and Antonietta in Italy, and Liliana shortly after they came to America. Franco, as he was affectionately called, came to NY and applied his trade working in the garment district in NYC. Later he went on to open a Tailor shop in New Rochelle. As business grew he was able to work alongside his brother Abramo, and business partner Gaetano Guida.  Franco loved music… listening to his favorite Italian songs and singing along. He cherished the chance to dance the tango with his wife, daughters and granddaughters at weddings and other events. He enjoyed making his own wine in his basement with his son in law and grandsons. He also enjoyed sharing it with others, and drinking it with his 3 son in laws at weekend dinners. Playing cards, like Briscola and Scopa, was a favorite pastime. As a young man he would spend many evenings at the Former Citizens of Guardia Lombardi Club in Mount Vernon playing cards for bottles of Pelligrino. Franco was a very spiritual person, and what was most important to him was that he made a good name with God.  After his retirement he started reading the Bible and searching for answers to his questions. He found the answers while studying the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses. Franco, his wife, and mother-in-law were all baptized as Jehovah’s Witnesses August 16, 1997. He loved his God Jehovah, and telling others about the answers he found in the Bible. He loved his family and he loved people. Franco loved to laugh, and his laugh was so infectious. He also had many one liners. If something went wrong or someone was upset he would say “ what are ya gonna do” , or  “questa é la vita “ Franco was always known as a kind, patient and mild-tempered man right to the end. He will be missed by all that knew him.

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