Our beloved Francesco "Frank" DiMaso passed away peacefully on January 28, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Immediately, the world feels less joyful—not because of death itself, but because Frank was a light to all who knew him. Quick with a smile, curious and playful as a child, he made everything better simply by being present. Laughter came easily and often when Frank was near. He was born on February 23, 1938, in Carbonara di Bari, Italy, to Chiarinia and Nicolantonio DiMaso.

Frank immigrated to America in 1958 at just 20 years old. He worked several factory jobs before enrolling at DeVry University to study engineering. While balancing school and work, Frank married his lifelong sweetheart, Maria, in 1962. The young couple welcomed their first son, Nick, in 1964. Frank skillfully balanced fatherhood and family life with a demanding career, first working as an engineer at the University of Chicago and later at various hospitals throughout the city.

In 1972, the family left the cold winters of Chicago for the palm trees of Los Angeles, where Frank continued working with hospitals on medical equipment. It was there that they welcomed their second son, Vito Leonardo, completing their family. Frank later became a hospital engineer with Kaiser, where he worked within their medical system until his retirement.

In 2019, Maria and Frank moved in with their son Nick for a time before eventually returning to the Chicagoland area.

Frank was a devoted husband, father, and—his favorite role of all—a Nonno. As a Nonno, he shared countless stories with his grandchildren: of war-torn Italy, childhood shenanigans with his brother Vito, working his father's sheep, later learning the trade of tile setting, coming to America and experiencing culture shock, and raising a family. Frank left behind the gift of wisdom he shared during many dinner conversations about philosophy, history, and religion. He embodied someone who wrestled with God yet never lost faith. He encouraged curiosity, a love of learning, faith, and hope.

No one kept a garden better than Frank. Some of his grandchildren's earliest memories are of hiding in his garden to eat peas straight from the vine, climbing his magnificent fig trees, drinking the best orange juice from his own oranges, and learning why it was wise to steer clear of stinging nettles. He brought a little piece of Eden back to Earth. We now know he is experiencing the true joy and peace that Eden foreshadowed, as he walks and talks with God in the gardens of Heaven.

Frank is survived by his wife of 64 years, Maria; his children, Nick (Lisa) and Vito (Roxanne); his four grandchildren, Amanda, Nick, Luke, and Nicole (Kiki); and his brother, Vito Leonardo (Sandy). He will also be dearly missed by many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his siblings Rosa, Anna, and Phil, their spouses, and his parents—whom he missed deeply throughout his life.

Frank lived a full and remarkable life and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A Funeral Mass to honor Frank will be held at St. John the Baptist, 0S233 Church St, Winfield, IL 60190 , on February 24, 2026 at 10:30am.

Interment will follow the Mass and be at All Saints Cemetery ( 700 N River Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60016).

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Rogationists.