Frankie Joseph Cacioppo

Frankie Joseph Cacioppo, 66, passed in peace and grace on Thursday, April 16, 2016 with his family by his side. While his loss is acutely felt by all who knew him, Frankie’s life is being remembered as one lived with abundant love and generosity of spirit. He was born on March 30, 1950 in Bessemer, Alabama to the late Elsie and Joseph Cacioppo. The youngest of three sons, Frankie was a spirited youngster who loved Motown music and fast cars (of which he wrecked one or two, to the dismay of his parents.) Frankie grew into a man who deeply appreciated God’s bounty, as evidenced by years spent sharing that bounty with others. He began his career in the produce department at Bruno’s Supermarket, where he worked for more than 25 years. Most recently, he served others through his former business, Frankie’s Market Café in Helena, a produce market and restaurant he owned and operated with his wife, Angie. Feeding others was an expression of love for Frankie and his customers responded by seeking out his expertise. If you wanted the sweetest watermelon or corn, Frankie was the man to see. His Italian heritage also contributed to his love for cooking, and his skills were stellar. When he retired and closed the doors of the business, it was not a happy day for his many loyal customers. Frankie also enjoyed singing, particularly karaoke, as well as dancing, fishing and studying the word of God. He loved the Lord and demonstrated that love in his daily walk with others. In a final gesture of selflessness, he registered to be an organ donor, a wish that was carried out after his passing. He was a member of St. Aloysius Catholic Church where he sang in the choir. He was a devoted husband to his loving wife, Angie Scalise Cacioppo, whom he married on June 15, 1997. Together, they made a perfect pair, building their business from the ground up and working tirelessly side by side to make it a success. Frankie was also a proud father to Alicia (Tommy) Putnam, Matthew Cacioppo, and his special friend, Stephanie Bridges, and Sherri (Mark) Donahue. His grandchildren loved their “Poppy” and were the light in his life: Britney, Emily, Travis, and Dylan Putnam; Zoe, Ella, and Jackson Donahue; Keller and Clementine Cacioppo; and “special grandchildren,” Hannah and Michael Calamusa, and Gabriel Bridges. Animals had a special place in Frankie’s heart, especially his beloved cat, Sugar Baby, and goldens, Marley and Gracie, who were all waiting to greet him when he arrived at Heaven’s gate. In addition to his parents, Frankie was predeceased by his sister, Lena Cacioppo Swope (Bill); brothers Joseph and Anthony (Chop-Chop). In addition to his wife, children and grandchildren, he is survived by a sister, Janet (Ron) Tabbone, a sister-in-law, Judy Cacioppo, and a host of loving nieces, nephews and cousins. Friends and family are invited to attend the viewing from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at St. Aloysius Church, and a funeral mass to celebrate his life at 10 a.m. Wednesday, also at St. Aloysius. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the American Heart Association or Two by Two Animal Rescue in Helena, Alabama.

Frankie Joseph Cacioppo

March 30, 1950 - April 14, 2016