Frank Del Ponte of Bronx, New York, passed away on July 19, 2023. He was 82 years old. Frank was one of four children born in the Bronx to Mario and Santa Del Ponte on May 26, 1941. He was raised in Harlem and then the Bronx, where he attended local schools. Frank worked alongside his father from a very young age.
After graduating high school, Frank worked various jobs. His primary job was as a truck driver for Anheuser-Busch. Frank would meet his wife of 56 years, Patricia Kroner, at age twenty-three. He was introduced to Pat by his older sister Lucy while babysitting Lucy’s children, and as they say, the rest is history. They would later marry at St. Raymond’s Church in the Bronx and raise their five children in the Morris Park area.
Frank sacrificed everything for his family. While working his day job, he also worked nights and weekends to support his family. Frank rarely had spare time, but when he did, he enjoyed dinner dances, socializing with friends, amusement parks, and spending time in his backyard pool. After retiring in Laguna, CA, he took up lawn bowling and loved spending time at the beach.
Frank will be remembered as a hard worker, the life of the party, a man who loved to tell a joke but most of all, a family man.
Frank is survived by his wife Pat, and his five children Frank (Donna) Del Ponte, Richie Del Ponte, Denise (Ralph) De Sarno, Danny (Maria) Del Ponte, and Nicky (Corine) Del Ponte. He will be missed by eight grandchildren Larissa, Frankie, Anthony, Dominic, Briana, Amanda, Nicky, and CJ. His sisters will also miss him; Fanny Raymundo and Marie La Russo. He is pre-deceased by his sister Lucy Manfredonia. Frank will truly be missed by everyone who knew him.
Frank’s life will be celebrated at the Pelham Funeral Home located at 64 Lincoln Avenue, Pelham, New York, on Sunday, July 23, from 2-6 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church located at 575 Fowler Avenue, Pelham Manor, New York, on Monday, July 24, at 10:00 am. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.
Editor’s note: This obituary was provided by the Pelham Funeral Home.
