Claudio Frank

Claudio was born September 16, 1927, to Mario Giovanni and Maria Carcich in Fiume Italy, a Province of the Kingdom of Italy and is now current day Rijeka, Croatia. In the mid-1940s, Claudio was part of the Istrian–Dalmatian exodus and fled with his parents and brother to Genova, Italy.

Leaving Italy in the late 1940s, he led a young man’s adventurous life traveling and working in many outposts in the world. He arrived via Ellis Island in 1950 and ventured west to Salt Lake City working in the coalmines, Los Angeles where he attempted acting, San Francisco operating a forklift on the pier and many other stops before settling in the Chicago area in 1954 where he met and married Paolina (née Fioretti). They raised their children in Wilmette, IL, and he had a lengthy career beginning at Bell & Howell as a tool and die maker and retired from Prikos & Becker as the safety and compliance inspector. After retirement, he and his wife moved to Williamsburg, VA. There he continued his hobbies of golf, bowling and travel. Claudio and Paolina traveled to more than 50 countries and took several dozen cruises, including a 12 week around the world cruise.

Claudio will most be remembered for his love of his wife, love of his family, love of life, and a laugh that instantly made you smile.

He is survived by his three children, Dario Frank, Sergio Frank, and Lisa Pitman; beloved grandchildren, Kimberly, Michael, Kelly, Meghan, Jack and Annamaria; great-grandchild Patrick; sister-in-law Lucia Guglielminetti; brother-in-law Paolo Fioretti and many nieces, nephews, friends and extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Paolina (married for 66 years until her passing in 2019), his parents and his brother Nino.

Visitation for Claudio will be held Sunday, April 7th, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM Nelsen Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry plains Road, Williamsburg, VA. Interment will be private.

In leu of flowers, please make a donation in memory of him to a charity of your choosing.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.NelsenWilliamsburg.com.