Francis Cecere

8.3.1928 – 4.15.2018

Francis "Frank" Cecere, of Palm City, Florida died peacefully Sunday evening, April 15, 2018, in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loved ones. Frank was born in East Hartford, CT on August 3 ^rd 1928, to the late James and Antoinette (Barone) Cecere. He grew up in the town of East Hartford, CT where he attended local schools with his siblings Katherine, Josephine, Nicholas and Anthony.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Joanne (Mascolo) Cecere, his daughter, Christine A. Maggi and husband, Joseph, his daughter, Cathy Paulding and husband, Ray, and his youngest daughter, Bobbie Cecere.  He is also survived by his grandchildren; Scott Ardery and wife, Jenn, Casey Ferrara and husband, Lenny, Megan Paulding, Emily Paulding, Raymond "Jamie" Paulding Jr., Trevor "Tre" Davis III, Parker Davis and his great granddaughter, Teagan Shae Ardery. He also leaves his sisters, Katherine Bartle and Josephine Pieri, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Frank is predeceased by his brothers, Anthony and Nicholas, his daughter, Jo-Ann Furlong, and his very special cousins, Joe and Rose Montano.

As a young man, Frank served in the Marine Corps with Occupational Forces from 1946-1951. During his time in the service he served in both World War II as a Machine Gunner and in the Korean War as an Ariel Gunner. He also spent time between wars in the Reserves and later, after his deployment in the Korean War, was asked to come back to Parris Island, NC as a Heavy Weapons Instructor for machine guns, mortars, rockets, etc. Throughout his time in the service Frank traveled to China, Japan & Korea. Frank was a true Patriot who loved and proudly served his country.

After his time in the service Frank met his beautiful bride, Joanne.  He and Joanne made Wethersfield their home with their four daughters.  After fifty-seven wonderful years they moved to Palm City, Florida in 2014.

Frank had a successful career in the sales and marketing of iron, steel and pre-cast concrete products. He began his career at L.L. Ensworth Company in Hartford, CT where he familiarized himself with, sold and marketed iron & steel products to regional and national manufacturing facilities. His vast knowledge and interest in the steel industry eventually led him into the engineering of steel rebar structures and the pioneering of pre-cast concrete products. With his congenial personality and his big smile he flourished in the sales and marketing world. But what really allowed him to excel and grow as a professional was his passion for the steel and pre-cast concrete products he was selling.

In 1986 Frank developed a rare neuromuscular disease that was later diagnosed in 1990 as Primary Lateral Sclerosis, also known as PLS. Although a truly debilitating disease, Frank refused to allow it to keep him from living his life to the fullest and became a true example of tenacity and perseverance to not only his doctors but the entire neuromuscular disease community. Frank was extremely grateful to his team at the Hospital for Special Care, Department of Neuromuscular Medicine in New Britain, CT, and especially Dr. Kevin Felice who was instrumental in his diagnosis and care.

Frank was known for his love of family and friends. He had the biggest heart and loved to put a smile on your face.  He loved sports, especially the game of golf and the time he spent with friends at Wethersfield Country Club.  What Frank loved most in life was to laugh. Whether he was at the head of the dinner table, sitting in the sun, playing with the dogs, or visiting with family and friends, he was always quick with a joke and brought a smile to all those around him.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 21 ^st , 10:30 a.m. at the Forest Hills Palm City Chapel located at 2001 SW Murphy Rd, Palm City, FL 34990.

Expressions of sympathy may be made by way of donation in his memory to the Treasure Coast Hospice Foundation, 1201 SE Indian Street, Stuart, FL 34997 or at WWW.TreasureHealth.org .