Frank Di Paolo, Jr.

Frank Di Paolo Jr., 106, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving and caring family on Thursday, February 14, 2013. He was the husband of the late Eugenia Luisa (Gasbarro) Di Paolo who passed away in 1989. Born in Providence in 1906, he was the son of the late Frank and Angelina (Iacobbo) Di Paolo. He was predeceased by two brothers, Tony and Philip Di Paolo and two sisters, Antonetta Apicerno and Clara Piscione.

Frank is survived by a son, Thomas Francis Di Paolo; two daughters, Claire Birkmaier and her husband, George and Evelyn Doherty. He was predeceased by his son, Richard Anthony Di Paolo. He is also survived by15 grandchildren who affectionately called him “Pop”, 17 great grandchildren and a newly arrived great-great granddaughter; two sisters-in-law, Liberina D’Agostino Di Paolo and Anna Andreozzi Di Paolo and many nieces and nephews.
As a young man, Frank was employed by the late Dr. Thomas Francis Scanlon, a Chief Surgeon at St. Joseph Hospital with a private practice in Providence on Atwells Ave. For over 35 years, he served as a chauffeur, a friend and companion. He traveled with the doctor to Canada and Florida for golf and fly-fishing excursions. In his youth, Frank was an ardent bicyclist, intensely competing in a series of events in the New England area.
During wartime, he worked at Walsh-Kaiser Shipyard as a crane operator, doing his own repairs whenever necessary. His mechanical ability was phenomenal. He joined partners with his brother, Philip and operated the renowned Castle Spa on Chalkstone Ave. for many years.

A life-long love of politics accumulated into a legion of friends he cherished forever more. He was fortunate to have met Patrick J. Kennedy and Rick McAuliffe, both of whom became his close “Buddies”. Frank also served as a doorman at the RI State House for over 30 years in both the Senate and House of Representatives . He was an active member of St. Pius Church on Eaton Street in Providence.
Cooking at family gatherings at “Maplehurst” , his late wife’s family residence, and gardening, particularly cultivating his tomato plants and impatiens were a source of joy for him.
On numerous occasions, he would travel on May 30th to attend the Indy 500. He was an avid car enthusiast. As a successful businessman, he operated a limousine service catering to specific events keeping the cars updated and flawlessly maintained.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday, February 19, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. in St. Pius V Church, Eaton Street, Providence. Visitation Monday 4-8 p.m. at the Maceroni Funeral Home, 1381 Smith St., North Providence. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Frank’s memory may be made to Home and Hospice Care of RI, 1085 North Main St., Providence, RI 02904.