Alfred Frank Antonicelli

Antonicelli, Alfred Frank 01/09/1925 ~ 12/30/2014 SAN DIEGO -- Alfred Frank Antonicelli, known to some as Franco, but to most as Frank, was born in San Diego on January 9, 1925. His father, Pasquale, immigrated to the United States in 1913 at the age of 18, from his native Italy, Gioia del Colle. After moving to San Diego he met a beautiful young Italian girl, Nunziella Beltipo, whom he married. Frank was their only child. Nunziella died at the young age of 28 from tuberculosis. During her hospitalization, Frank was foster cared for by Kate Sessions, the botanist and "mother of Balboa Park." Frank's father was Kate Sessions most loyal and dedicated employee, serving as her right hand man in the planning and development of Balboa Park. Frank experienced the loss of his mother at the young age of eight years old. His father returned to his village in Italy, met and later married Angela Isdraele Romano. Angela raised Frank into adulthood, becoming as close to him as any natural mother could be. Both Frank and his father, Pasquale, loved the United States, one serving in World War I and Frank in World War II. Frank's service included over two years in the Pacific as a Navy radarman aboard a destroyer escort, the Bowers. During his service he received numerous decorations that included the Purple Heart. He returned to San Diego after an honorable discharge to join the family business with his father, who by then had opened his own nursery business on Washington Street in Mission Hills. The family's collective dream of success in the U.S. was becoming a reality. The nursery business served as the foundation for what became the largest land holding in Mission Hills by any single property owner. Frank never lost his rather humble approach to life nor his love for his long lasting heritage. He met and married the true love of his life and soul mate, Sara Caburlotto, in 2011, a lovely Italian lady whom he too met in Italy. Frank was a remarkable man of the utmost integrity, a most generous philanthropist to many in need, a founding figure in the Mission Hills community, a wonderful friend to many, a continuing presence to his immediate family, and a most loving husband. He will be missed by all that knew him and will remain in our hearts forever. A celebration of his life will be held at 10:00 a.m., on 9 January 2015, at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 4080 Hawk Street, San Diego 92103. Interment shall be immediately thereafter at Holy Cross Cemetery, 4470 Hilltop Drive, San Diego 92102. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Vincent de Paul School, Rady Childrens Hospital, Make A Wish Foundation , or a charity of your choice . The family would like to thank everyone for their support and love in remembering Frank.