Obituary for Frank J. Dito
Frank Joseph Dito was born in Glendale, Queens to Italian immigrants Felice and Mary on June 14, 1927,
before eventually moving to Brooklyn, New York. He attended P.S. 104, Fort Hamilton H.S. and graduated from New York University, receiving his master’s degree on his way to becoming a proud alumnus.
He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1954. He married the love of his life, Ellen (nee Barranco), on October 22, 1955, settling in Bay Ridge, where he became a lifelong fixture in the community. He was father to four loving children, Mary Ellen (Marty), Susan (Timmy), Aileen (Frankie) and Frank, Jr. (Holly). Frank’s family was the centerpiece of his life, especially his wife, showing his devotion to Ellen until his very last moments. He loved spending time with the family, whether it be at a grandchild’s basketball game or Sunday dinner at one of his children’s homes. Frank was proud to be a veteran and made it his mission to help our returning armed forces thrive in their civilian lives. After starting his own real estate and insurance concern next to the Dyker movie theater and then moving to 8625 Fifth Avenue, Frank eventually found what he was meant to do, working for the U.S. Small Business Administration as a Veteran’s Advocate. Everything he did showed his dedication to our country, from famously giving out American flag lapel pins, to tirelessly advocating for veteran’ rights and benefits. One of his proudest achievements was when he was awarded the Veteran’s Advocate of the Year for his unyielding efforts on behalf of his fellow veterans. Frank still commuted to work each day in New York City until his retirement at the age of 87 years young. A lifetime member of the American Legion, Frank went on to continue his efforts to help veterans by volunteering for the USO, where he made many friends and looked forward to his weekly visits to Fort Hamilton. Frank loved Frank Sinatra and steadfastly lived his life according to his theme song, “My Way.” At each of his daughters’ weddings, he danced with the bride to “My Way” and that dance was repeated throughout his life whenever the song played. Most importantly, Frank lived a life that’s full and did it his way. Frank enjoyed traveling with family and friends, visiting the Caribbean, Ireland, Italy, Spain and Canada. One of Frank’s most cherished memories was his trip to Verbicaro, Italy, where he was able visit family and to see the house his father was born in before coming to America. Frank was a proud Roman Catholic and longtime parishioner of St. Patrick’s Church where he was an usher at the 12:30 mass throughout his life. He volunteered for numerous parish fundraisers and was president of the Holy Name Society, Parish Council and the Home School Association and was honored to be invested as a Knight of the Holy Sepulchre. Frank leaves behind his wife of 64 years, four children, nine grandchildren, a great granddaughter and many loving nieces and nephews.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to the Lustgarten Foundation for pancreatic cancer research.
before eventually moving to Brooklyn, New York. He attended P.S. 104, Fort Hamilton H.S. and graduated from New York University, receiving his master’s degree on his way to becoming a proud alumnus.
He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1954. He married the love of his life, Ellen (nee Barranco), on October 22, 1955, settling in Bay Ridge, where he became a lifelong fixture in the community. He was father to four loving children, Mary Ellen (Marty), Susan (Timmy), Aileen (Frankie) and Frank, Jr. (Holly). Frank’s family was the centerpiece of his life, especially his wife, showing his devotion to Ellen until his very last moments. He loved spending time with the family, whether it be at a grandchild’s basketball game or Sunday dinner at one of his children’s homes. Frank was proud to be a veteran and made it his mission to help our returning armed forces thrive in their civilian lives. After starting his own real estate and insurance concern next to the Dyker movie theater and then moving to 8625 Fifth Avenue, Frank eventually found what he was meant to do, working for the U.S. Small Business Administration as a Veteran’s Advocate. Everything he did showed his dedication to our country, from famously giving out American flag lapel pins, to tirelessly advocating for veteran’ rights and benefits. One of his proudest achievements was when he was awarded the Veteran’s Advocate of the Year for his unyielding efforts on behalf of his fellow veterans. Frank still commuted to work each day in New York City until his retirement at the age of 87 years young. A lifetime member of the American Legion, Frank went on to continue his efforts to help veterans by volunteering for the USO, where he made many friends and looked forward to his weekly visits to Fort Hamilton. Frank loved Frank Sinatra and steadfastly lived his life according to his theme song, “My Way.” At each of his daughters’ weddings, he danced with the bride to “My Way” and that dance was repeated throughout his life whenever the song played. Most importantly, Frank lived a life that’s full and did it his way. Frank enjoyed traveling with family and friends, visiting the Caribbean, Ireland, Italy, Spain and Canada. One of Frank’s most cherished memories was his trip to Verbicaro, Italy, where he was able visit family and to see the house his father was born in before coming to America. Frank was a proud Roman Catholic and longtime parishioner of St. Patrick’s Church where he was an usher at the 12:30 mass throughout his life. He volunteered for numerous parish fundraisers and was president of the Holy Name Society, Parish Council and the Home School Association and was honored to be invested as a Knight of the Holy Sepulchre. Frank leaves behind his wife of 64 years, four children, nine grandchildren, a great granddaughter and many loving nieces and nephews.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to the Lustgarten Foundation for pancreatic cancer research.