Frank Gerald Accurso, 82, of N. Chesterfield, VA, formerly of Greenwich, CT and Bolivia, NC, passed away peacefully on February 8, 2021 with his wife and children by his side. Born in Greenwich on May 18, 1938, Frank was the son of the late Rocco and Susie Melillo Accurso. He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Barbara (Weber). Frank lived in Greenwich for 66 years until his retirement to North Carolina. He and his wife had recently relocated to Virginia to be closer to family.
Frank was larger than life and a legend to all who knew him. He loved to make people laugh and to reminisce and tell stories to anyone who would listen. His personality was infectious. Everyone he came into contact with felt like they were in the presence of someone special. You just wanted to be around him. He was forever the entertainer.
He will also be remembered for his work ethic. As a school boy he had a paper route on Greenwich Avenue, was a delivery boy for a local dry cleaner and as a young man worked as a driving instructor. He loved the water and boating, getting his first boat as a teenager and working as a launchman at Indian Harbor Yacht Club.
A 1956 graduate of Greenwich High School, Frank worked hard to put himself through the University of Bridgeport, doing so as a young father and graduating with his family in attendance. He worked as a financial analyst for the former Norden Systems in Norwalk, CT for over 20 years. After he left Norden, he found his calling in sales as The 1-800-VISA-Guy, which gave him the opportunity to develop friendships with the many local business and restaurant owners he provided service to.
Frank had a musical ear and entertained many with his accordion music as the Frankie Gerald Solo Combo. In addition to performing at area weddings and country clubs, he received great joy sharing his gift of music with the residents of nursing homes, for local support groups, and into retirement at many social gatherings. He delighted and entertained school children as well, and always had his accordion at the ready to spontaneously entertain family and friends.
Frank was an excellent dancer and that was one of the things he and Barbara loved doing together. They also enjoyed sailing and skiing with family and friends and attending family gatherings and their children and grandchildren’s special events and celebrations.
In addition to his wife, Frank is survived by his three adoring children: Diana Garbera (Brian) of N. Chesterfield, VA, Carol Vigna (Charles) of Gardiner, NY, and David Accurso (Kathleen) of Glastonbury, CT; his sister, Patricia Pollard (Robert); seven grandchildren who called him Poppy: Mary Accurso, Emily Garbera, Caroline Accurso, Samuel Garbera, Christianne Accurso, Miles Vigna, and Joseph Accurso. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Donald Weber; nieces, Susan Hoddinott (Richard) and Pamela Fiengo (Daniel) and their children, Ricky and John Hoddinott, and Bob Fiengo; and many cousins.
Donations in Frank's memory may be made to the American Heart Association or your favorite charity. A service will be arranged in Greenwich in May.
