Frank Edward Ciota (Puggy)

Frank was born on June 19, 1931, in Riverton, the son of Frank and Edith (Camille) Ciota. He married Judith Lindsay on September 17, 1971, in Decatur.

Frank was a graduate of Riverton High School and attended Western IL University for 2 years. He served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. Frank retired from the Secretary of State Driver Services where he was awarded Boss of the Year in 1974. He was a member of the American Legion Post 32 and the La Societe Des 40 Hommes ET 8 Chevaux. Frank was a charter member of the Sparrows Club, past president of the Riverton Athletic Club, Clearlake Township Tax Assessor, and a Sangamon County Democrat Precinct Committeeman. In his younger years, Frank coached youth baseball and played baseball in the minor leagues. He enjoyed watching the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago Bears, as well as worked on carpentry projects in his spare time.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Constance “Connie” Sue Ciota; son, Edward Michael Ciota; parents; stepfather, Tony Ippolito; sisters, Norma Deaver and Dolores Pusch; and uncles, Eddie Camille and Ed “Dodo” Ciota.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Judee Ciota of Riverton; three children, Kelly Ciota of Venice Island, FL, Tracy Shepperd of Houston, TX, and Caprice (Wesley) Hardin of Barclay, IL; son-in-law, Randy Hemming; 11 grandchildren; Travis Pierceall, Samantha Evans, Joie Sarver, Michelle Ciota, Kasey Eichhorn, Frankie Ciota, Tony Ciota, James, Lindsay, John Milton Shepperd, William Morgan, and Camille, Kyla, and Michael Sidener II; several great-grandchildren; and one niece, Diane Hustad.

Cremation will be provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies.

Memorial Gathering and Funeral Mass: Family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:15 a.m. on Thursday, November 3, 2022, at St. James Catholic Church, 112 North 6th St., Riverton, IL. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11:30 a.m. with Rev. Raphael Paul De Moreno, celebrant. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery with military honors provided by the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County and Department of Defense.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Martin De Porres Center, P.O. Box 2571, Springfield, IL 62708-2571.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield.