Obituary of Frank W. Malfatti
Frank W. Malfatti, 90, of Shorewood, passed away peacefully at the Lightways Hospice Center in Joliet, IL, with his loving family by his side. Frank was born to Frank Joseph and Bessie (nee Sanders) Malfatti, in Joliet, IL on July 19, 1932.
Frank was a man that lived by his own convictions. He never let someone else’s viewpoint steer him away from what he believed was best for him and his family. His bravery was on full display when he got creative with a few documents so that he could join the United States Army before his eighteenth birthday, and could never be questioned again after he parachuted into Korea during the Korean War as a proud member of the Army Paratroopers earning the Korean Service Ribbon, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal with 1 Bronze Service Medal and his Parachute Badge. Frank had many different roles and responsibilities in his life, such as managing a mink farm and owning a grocery store with Marie, but he did retire as a machinist for the Caterpillar Company working in the hydraulics department. He was an outdoorsman through and through. He spent his free time hunting earlier in life and fishing later in life. If he could answer the question today as to what his favorite role in life was, he would without hesitation tell you of his grandchildren and great grandson. He always wanted them to have everything that he did not, and he was willing to spend all of his available time ensuring that they would. He coached pee wee football and attended countless different sporting events with his wife Marie, proving himself as one of the biggest supporters who could always be counted on to provide a word of encouragement or sage piece of wisdom when needed most. Whether he was called “Coach”, “Junior”, or even “Spinach”, everyone that knew him knew what and who was most important to him. His surviving family moves forward with the fondest memories, comforted by the idea that he will be waiting for them with a deck of cards in hand ready to play a rousing game of Euchre when they all have the opportunity to be together again.
Frank is survived by his loving wife of 67 years Marie Malfatti (nee DeNardis), his devoted daughter Fran Smego, his grandsons Patrick (Carlyn) Coleman and Michael (Megan) Smego, great grandson Jackson Coleman, and his nieces Ruth Phillips and Denise Hoerler.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Marlene Hosang, his daughter Laura Belsanti, and his granddaughter Lisa Coleman.
A Memorial Visitation for Frank W. Malfatti will be held on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at Fred C Dames Funeral Home 3200 Black Rd. (at Essington Rd.), Joliet, IL, from 3:00 p.m. until the time of Service at 7:00 p.m. with military honors held under the auspices of the United States Army. As it was his request, cremation rites have been accorded.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Frank’s name can be made to Lightways Hospice in Joliet, IL.
For more information please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.
