Francisco "Frank" Demmi passed away Saturday morning January 16th at the age of 102 at his home in the presence of his loving family. He was the son of Domenico and Rosina Demmi, a cigar roller and homemaker respectively, both emigrants from Italy and brother of dearly departed Anthony "uncle Tony" Demmi. He rejoins his wife of 56 years, Liria Paulina, in Heaven. Frank was a WWII US Army veteran, having served the entirety of the war as a medic stationed at Fort Shafter, Honolulu, Hawaii. After the war, Frank returned to Tampa, Florida where he met his future bride, Liria, at a dance at the Cuban Club in Ybor City. He studied television repair, married Liria, had two sons, David and Edward, and moved to Brooklyn, New York to obtain additional certifications as a Radio and Television Technician. After a few cold winters there, the family returned to Tampa and Frank partnered in a modestly successful television repair shop where, owing to its proximity to the Tampa dog racing track, sometimes operated as a pawn shop. The family welcomed a new member, Frances, born in Ybor City in 1955. Frank often employed his sons in his business to install television antennas and help with pick ups and deliveries. An unfortunate injury forced the business's closure. After a long period of recuperation, Frank gained employment as a custodian for Grady Elementary School, Tampa, where he retired. Frank enjoyed fishing, small game hunting, camping and family outings. He retired to Indian Rocks Beach where he spent his days scouring the beach for shells that he would later craft into objects d'art. In his twilight years he developed a passion for baking. Cookies were his specialty and he loved baking for family, friends and especially the staff at the Bay Pines VA Medical Center where he received excellent care over the years. He was a fun loving guy, a bit of a prankster, loved by his children, adored by his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and he endeared himself to many. He will be missed.
Frank is survived by His Sons; David Demmi and wife Deborah, Dr. Edward Demmi MD. and wife Brenda May, Daughter; Frances Hess and husband Thomas.
Grandchildren; Alisha Fell and husband James, Kristi Cronin and husband Bryan, Anthony "Tony" Demmi, Samantha "Sammy" Demmi, Alicia Hess,
Thomas "TJ" Hess jr. Great-Grandchildren; Jude Cronin, Camila Cronin, Graham Fell.
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