Francis A. De Bartolomeo

Francis “Frank” Anthony De Bartolomeo, 98, of Norwalk, beloved husband of the late of Gloria G. De Bartolomeo, died peacefully early morning on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at home with his loving daughters beside him. Born in Stamford, CT, he was the son of the late Michael and Mary (Verrastro) De Bartolomeo.  Frank graduated from Stamford High School in 1940 and attended Pace University in New York. 

In June 1941, he joined the U.S. Army. Frank courageously served during World War II as a member of the 5th Army during the Italian Campaign with General Clark.  He fought in Italy and Germany, was a decorated soldier, and was also awarded the Purple Heart for his war injuries and service.  He was honorably discharged and returned home to Connecticut.

Upon his honorable discharge, Frank returned to Stamford where he continued at Pace and began his career at the U.S. Postal Service. Frank was repeatedly promoted within the U.S. Post Office over his 40 year career and retired as the Manager of Finance and Accounting, as well as the 2-year Interim Acting CPA of Stamford.

Frank married Gloria G. Forte of Brooklyn, New York in September 1951 in New York and in Stamford. They were a formidable team and enjoyed a 69-year marriage filled with love, laughter, life’s challenges, travel, and many adventures.

Frank was a devoted Catholic and an original member of St. Matthews parish in Norwalk, CT, serving as an usher starting in 1959, as well as other regular volunteer duties for St. Matthews alongside his wife Gloria. Frank is also a member of the Stamford chapter of the Knights of Columbus, and was active in the organization for decades.

Frank honored and respected his loving family and friends, and in turn, he was honored and respected. Frank is survived by two daughters, Diane G. Zeccola (Dominick) of Norwalk, CT and Anne Marie “A.J.” De Bartolomeo of San Francisco, CA.  He also leaves behind a son Anthony De Bartolomeo of Maryland.  Frank is also survived by three loving grandchildren; Matthew and Brian Zeccola of Norwalk, and Melissa (John) Amick, of Columbus, MO, a cherished great-granddaughter, Vela Lorraine Gloria Amick, a sister Grace Zaccagnino of Stamford, sister-in-law Marie (“Chickie”) De Bartolome of Stamford, multiple nieces and nephews, and cousins, and living and deceased family pets, all of whom adored their “Popi.”

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday June 2, at 10:30 AM at St. Matthew Church, Norwalk, with full military honors to follow at St. John Cemetery, Norwalk. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Veterans of Foreign Wars or the USO.