Frank Joseph Fiorello

Frank was born on November 29, 1946 in Rockford, Illinois to Lillian and Vincent Fiorello. He leaves behind his wife of 52 years, Susan; their two daughters Cara Sweet (Christopher) of Lexington, IL, and Lisa Fiorello (Jacob) of Portland, OR; and grandchildren Jonah and Lorien, who were Bapa’s pride and joy, and who never heard him say the word “no.”

Frank is also survived by his brother Angelo (Janice) Fiorello of Rockford, IL and sister Mary Jo (Chet) Laskowski of Lakemoor, IL, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

One of the most defining events of Frank’s life was when he contracted polio at the age of 8, mere days before the arrival of the vaccine. He lost the use of his legs, but in the process of convalescence, he emerged with two passions that would shape the rest of his life: athletics and art.

As part of his rehab from polio, Frank learned to swim, and would eventually compete in the 1968 Paralympics in Israel, where he won a bronze medal in backstroke. In addition to swimming, Frank played for the United States Olympic Wheelchair Basketball team, competing in South America, Europe, and the Middle East. Back at home, Frank earned a varsity letter from the University of Illinois in wheelchair basketball and played on the Rockford Chariots basketball team. It was during one of the Chariots games that he met Sue, the love of his life, who he married seven months later.

However, it was as an artist that Frank truly made his mark on the world. His artistic career began with hours spent drawing while in the hospital as a child. In high school, Frank won the Hallmark Art Award for the State of Illinois. After college, he worked as an artist for Sundstrand Aviation as a graphic designer, and at the Rockford Register Star newspaper as a cartoonist and newsroom illustrator, winning numerous awards including two Best of Gannett honors. In 1985, Frank and Sue opened Fiorello’s Pumpkin Patch in Caledonia, IL. The Pumpkin Patch welcomed thousands of visitors each fall, and Frank painted and personalized countless gourds and pumpkins. In 1995, Frank illustrated a children’s book for his friend John Gile, and that experience inspired him to write and illustrate 10 children’s books of his own. He also used his art to brighten the lives of family members and friends through paintings, birthday posters for the grandkids, and hand-painted Christmas ornaments.

When his daughters were growing up, Frank made sure to attend every one of Cara’s and Lisa’s events, and was always a welcome presence at swim meets, with chili and minestrone for the entire team. Some of his favorite family memories came from the years hosting exchange students from Japan every August through the Friendship Association of Rockford. He loved interacting with and learning from the students, and considered one of these students, Aiko, to be like his third daughter. Frank frequently presented a program at grade schools about art, reading, and the process of making books. When his grandchildren were born, he always said that he couldn’t wait to present the program to their classes, and when Jonah and Lorien were in kindergarten and first grade, he was so proud and honored to make that dream come true.

In 2001, Frank and Sue sold the Pumpkin Patch and moved to Las Vegas, NV where Frank continued to paint, write, and enjoy life.

Frank will be remembered for his unwavering passion for life; his genuine fascination with people and their stories; his restaurant-worthy Italian cooking, and determination that no one ever leave his house hungry; and the humor, love, and joy he exuded in even the most mundane circumstances. He truly made a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.

Frank is preceded in death by his father Vincent, mother Lillian, sister Loretta, and brothers John and Jimmy.

Celebration of Life will be March 8, 2025 from 2-6 pm at The Venetian Club 2810 Elmwood Rd. Rockford, Illinois 61103.

A Eulogy will be at 3pm by Cara Sweet.

Anyone who wishes to say a few words in remembrance of Frank will be welcome to do so.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that any donations go to the Lisa Fiorello Scholarship Fund through gofundme. gofundme.com/f/honoring-lisa-fiorello-arts-scholarship-fund