Frank A. Durastante, 88, of Niles, passed away Wednesday December 23, 2020 at Mercy Health St. Joseph’s Warren Hospital from complications of COVID-19.
He was born November 28, 1932 in Marana, Italy the son of Domenico and Maria Mariani Durastante and moved to the United States on Thanksgiving Day 1955, coming through Ellis Island, New York and settling in Niles.
Frank was employed at Republic Steel and Kings Department Store and then retired after 30 years of service from Lordstown General Motors.
He was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Niles and The International Federation of American Homing Pigeon Fanciers. He belonged to The WES Flying Club and The Steel Valley Combine for over 40 years and had numerous championship pigeons in his loft.
He also enjoyed gardening, flowers, his house plants, and had quite the green thumb.
Frank was also a fan of all sports, especially The Ohio State Buckeyes, Cleveland Indians and Browns. He also loved family gatherings.
His wife of 64 ½ years Lillian N. Sadler Durastante whom he married April 1, 1955 died September 30, 2019.
Memories of Frank will be carried on by his daughter Angela Carlson of Cortland, his three sons, Sabatino Durastante(Bobbi Jo) of Niles, Mario
Durastante(Lorrie) of Wickliff, Ohio, and Frank Durastante of Niles, two sisters, Angelina Faiola of Terracina, Italy, and Elena Mariani of Rome, Italy, five grandchildren, Frank Durastante, Tiffany Durastante, Anthony Durastante and his wife Natalie, John Durastante, Zachary Durastante, two great-grandchildren, Leigha Durastante and Layla Durastante, and his neighbor and adopted son Joseph Patrizi.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, a son Joseph Durastante, and two sisters, Emilia and Antonina.
Funeral services are private.
Material contributions can be made to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 381 Robbins Ave, Niles, Ohio 44446
Burial will be in Niles City Cemetery.
Arrangements are being handled by The Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles.
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