Published March 22, 2019
EAST BOSTON — Mr. Frank N. Dente, 91, a longtime resident of East Boston, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 13, 2019 at Aberjona Nursing Center in Winchester.
Frank was born in East Boston on November 10, 1927. Raised in East Boston during the Great Depression, Frank graduated from East Boston High School and entered the United States Navy at age 17. He served as a Seaman, 2nd Class during WWII, and was honorably discharged before serving 10 years in the U.S. Navy Reserves. He was married at St. Mary Star of the Sea Church to Patricia Powers, and they remained in East Boston to raise a family of four children.
Frank was a hard working, self-employed and proud barber for many years. He started in East Boston, worked in Malden, and finally settled into a Barber Shop in Waltham where he made many lasting connections. With a lifelong love for learning, Frank enjoyed developing personal connections with this customers and exchanging knowledge through their conversations. A music enthusiast, Frank always had the old classics like Frank Sinatra, Jimmy Roselli, and Vic Damone playing at the Barber Shop and at home.
True to his Italian roots, Frank hosted gatherings every Sunday for “gravy with meatballs” and any number of Italian specialties. He loved to cook and passed his love for cooking on to his children. Frank loved listening to music, enjoyed dancing and attending concerts with wife, Patricia. He was also an avid reader, had a special connection to all animals, and was a fan from childhood of the New York football Giants.
Frank was a colorful guy with a great sense of humor and an appreciation for a good laugh. He held his Italian heritage close to his heart and enjoyed anything that was rooted in Italy. At his core, Frank was a true family man who was forever proud of his family, and cherished any time spent together.
Frank was the beloved husband of the late Patricia M. (Powers) Dente with whom he shared 58 years of marriage. Cherished son of the late Giuseppe and Mary (Mantone) Dente. Devoted father of David P. Dente and his wife Lisa of Wakefield, Mary R. Messina and her husband Tony of Danvers, Erica Dente of the North End, and the late Francis J. Dente and his surviving wife Lois of Revere. Dear brother of Joseph Dente of Saugus, and the late Christopher Dente, Anna Caizzi, Madeline Biancuzzo, Angie Pinella, and Nicholas Dente. Cherished grandfather of Anthony Messina, Taylor Messina, Kelsey Messina, and Diandra Dente. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends gathered in honor of Frank’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Monday, March 18 and again on Tuesday before leaving in procession to Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main St., Wakefield for his funeral Mass. Interment in Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett. Gifts in Frank’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105. For online tribute or directions: RobinsonFuneralHome.com
