Frank Fitapelli

Frank ‘Chi-Chi’ Fitapelli, 88, passed away January 18, 2022. He was born March 11, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York to Patsy and Antoinette (Falotica) Fitapelli. Chi-Chi loved sports including basketball, golf, and tennis, and in his youth was an amateur boxer. He loved music, musicals, and old movies. An avid patriot, he honorably served in the Korean War and always displayed an American flag at this home. A self-made man, Chi-Chi built his air freight shipping business and after many years of hard work, moved his family to Connecticut, and eventually fulfilled his dream to move to Florida in 1984. He was incredibly generous with this time and money, always helping family, friends, and complete strangers at a moment’s notice. A caring and wonderful husband, brother, and friend, he was liked by all that met him. Most of all he loved, and was proud of, his family. Chi-Chi is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Ethel, and his two children, Geri and Frank, Jr. (Tracy), and grandson, Tyler. He also leaves behind beloved sister and brother, Ann, and Daniel, as well as several nieces, nephews, ‘adopted family’ (Barbara, Kloee, and Jayne), and many life-long friends. A mass of Christian faith will be held at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 626 111th Avenue N, Naples, Florida at 1:00 pm January 28, 2022. A reception and celebration of life will immediately follow at Hodges Funeral Home at Naples Memorial Gardens, 525 111th Ave. N, Naples, Florida.