Frank A Reno

Frank A. Reno, 95, of Worcester, passed away Wednesday, February 24th 2010 surrounded by his family after an illness. Frank was born in Worcester, one of ten children born to the late Santo and Rose (Scola) Reno. He attended Worcester Public Schools, met and married his wife of the past 72 years, Carmella (Pingatore) Reno. In 1943, he joined the U.S. Army to serve his country during World War II, taking part in several campaigns including the Normandy Invasion on D-day, "Battle of the Bulge" and the "Battle of Hagenow" earning a purple heart for injuries suffered in that battle. He has lived here all his life. Frank worked more than 35 years as a firefighter for the City of Worcester before retiring. He previously worked as a manager for Gloria Chain Store before the War. Frank is survived by his wife of 72 years Carmella "Dolly" (Pingatore) Reno; three devoted children, Rosemarie Swindell and her husband Harold of Auburn, Francis A. Reno and his wife Donna of Sutton, Paul S. Reno and his wife Patricia of Worcester; Two brothers, Joseph A. Reno and his wife Veronica M., Robert S. Reno and his wife Lucia M. all of Worcester; two sisters, Anna B. Rocco of Worcester and Rita Maruca of Springfield; eight grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and friends. Four sisters, Mary R. and Pauline Reno , Emily D. Falcone and Carmela R. Bafaro and a brother, Raymond Reno all pre deceased him. Frank was a founding member of Our Lady of Loreto church, a former member of its men's club and Church council, and also an active volunteer of many church functions and annual festivals. He was member of the Disabled American Veterans Association and the Eastside Post 201 American Legion, the Pope John Council Knights of Columbus and the Bishop O'Reilly 4th degree Assembly. The Local 1009, International Brotherhood of Firefighters and the Worcester Fire Relief Association and Credit Union. The funeral will be held Saturday, February 27th from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. with a Mass at 10:00 am in Our Lady of Loreto Church, 33 Massasoit Rd. Burial will be in St. John Cemetery. Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family Friday, February 26th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the funeral home. Members of the Pope John Council, Knights of Columbus will meet at 6:30 pm Friday in the funeral home to conduct their ritual. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veteran's Association, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301, Attn: Gift Processing or a Charity of the Donor's Choice.