Frank Blasi

Frank was married for 62 years to his loving lifetime dance and tennis partner Irene (Racki) Blasi, the couple even winning a tournament in Bermuda, while celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary. The heart of Frank was his family, and the heart of the family was 11 Elm Square, Wakefield, where for 55 years, he and Irene raised their 5 children, welcomed their kids’ friends and spouses, and spent time with their ten grandchildren. He was a devoted father to Francis Paul Blasi, Jr., and wife Kathleen, Donna Blasi Zaremba and husband John, Lisa Blasi Hodgson and husband John, Denise Blasi Dubiel and husband Marc, and Dianne Blasi Dunn and husband Shane. The one and only “Doo” was beloved grandfather to Jacquilyn and Lauren Zaremba; Margaret and Marie Blasi; Molly and Cameron Hodgson; Katelyn, Jake, and Taylor Dubiel; and Liam Dunn.

Frank was born on November 26, 1936, in Chelsea, MA, to Margaret and Frank Blasi. Having lost his father at a young age, Frank took enormous pride in his mother raising him as a single parent and aspired to someday have a big family of his own. His children, their spouses, and his grandchildren are honored to be a part of his dream come true. He graduated from Chelsea High School in 1955 and enlisted in the US Army. Stationed in Fort Bliss, Texas, he worked on the Nike-Ajax Missile System.

As an avid youth sports fan, Frank could be found in the stands for all of his kids’ games and coached both Little League and youth hockey. After a long career with the US Post Office, he retired to enjoy spending more time with family, fishing with the Malden Anglers, cooking, and gardening, which inspired his children to plant and tend gardens of their own. Whether guiding his boat or wading a stream, Frank loved fishing and shared his passion with his children and grandchildren. His Italian Gravy is voted hands-down the best. The family vows to continue striving to reach that high bar. Retirement brought crafting with wood, including making Christmas ornaments, wall décor for the grandchildren, and custom furniture for the granddaughters’ American Girl dolls. Frank greeted loved ones with a zealous hug and an “oooo, I LOVE ya!” He enjoyed many family vacations on the lakes of Maine. His family treasures his stories of the old days – peppered with embellishment and sometimes accompanied by a fine Chianti or a 2-finger glass of Scotch.

The family will celebrate Frank’s life on a date to be determined. They are profoundly grateful for the compassionate hospice care provided by Beth Israel Lahey Health at Home. Charitable donations may be made in Frank’s memory, by check, to “Beth Israel Lahey Health at Home,” noting in the Memo line “In memory of Francis P. Blasi.” The mailing address is Beth Israel Lahey Health, Office of Philanthropy, 330 Brookline Ave (OV), Boston, MA 02215.

“The loss is immeasurable, but so is the love left behind.”

Arrangements by the Cota Funeral Home, 335 Park St., North Reading.

For information and to leave an online condolence, please visit http://www.cotafuneralhomes.com. 

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